The county government has decided not to leave anything to chance in view of the possible outbreak of a third wave of COVID-19 in the near future.
While there is no authentic scientific data to confirm whether or not there would be a third wave, authorities keep their fingers crossed and assume that a third wave is on the way and could break out in the next two to three months, with evidence that children and adolescents under the age of 18 are likely to be most affected.
Every pandemic wave triggered by a virus depends on three factors – pathogen, host and environment.
The severity of the wave will depend on the mutation of the pathogen or virus, the inherent response of the host or individual to ward off the virus threat, and how the environment helps spread the virus.
It’s unknown if there are mutations in the virus that could trigger a third wave, but human behavior can play a big role, officials say.
“After the lockdown is lifted, the environmental factor is likely to decrease and human behavior is also likely to change. If COVID-appropriate behavior is not followed, in all likelihood the third wave will come, ”said Prof. PV Sudhakar, District COVID Special Officer and Rector of Andhra Medical College.
Regarding children in focus, he said, “While there is still no scientific evidence to support this, medical experience suggests two reasons. First and foremost, schools are likely to reopen, and getting the kids to adhere to social distancing norms or enforce the wearing of masks and disinfection protocols is difficult. If infected, they would infect their parents and other children. Another important factor is that they are not vaccinated. “
Vaccinations
Currently the focus is on vaccinating people aged 45 and over, and 54% of the population in this segment is covered in the district.
“There are a lot of studies going on vaccinating children in the US, now they are vaccinating children ages 12-18. In India there is no data as to why the government did not approve the vaccination. ”Children. The nasal vaccination is also still in the testing stage. Even if the vaccination program for people over the age of 18 is started at a good pace, children are still left out. This makes your segment vulnerable, ”said Dr. Sudhakar.
District Preparedness
It is estimated that the total number of cases in the third wave can be up to 3,500 cases over a two-month period, of which 2,800 require oxygenated beds and about 700 intensive care beds with about 55 admissions per day.
Collector V. Vinay Chand said that 620 cots will be provided, 320 of them in the government sector, 200 of them in KGH, 100 in the family department of Government Hospital of Mental Care and 20 in Victoria General Hospital and the remaining 300 in the private sector which has 50 beds in each of the three teaching hospitals. In addition, there are efforts to strengthen the SNCUs (Special Newborn Care Units) and NBSUs (Newborn Stabilization Unit) for effective management of newborns, he said.
Mr. Vinay Chand added that the district is sourcing dedicated ventilators for newborns and children under five.
While there is no scientific data to substantiate the effects on children, we are leaving no stone unturned and are trying to create a special task force involving pediatricians from private sources, the Collector said.
“Resilience is the key”
Medical experts suggest that thanks to better immunity, children can fight off the virus much more easily than adults.
“Primarily, their ACE receptors in the lungs are immature, and this may not hold the virus in place. Children are vaccinated against other diseases, such as polio, which can act as cross-immunity against COVID. Newborns in particular have immunity similar to theirs Mothers who could protect the infants, “said Dr. Sudhakar.