Ways to Protect Yourself from New Coronavirus Strain

Overview

The mutation of viruses is a phenomenon that common people now understand well as the novel coronavirus pandemic has entered another year. In order to survive, the coronavirus adapts to tear down the defences put up by the host’s immune system, giving birth to a new coronavirus variant. While not much is known about these variants, scientists have so far been able to ascertain that some of the new COVID-19 strains are more infectious.

In India, as a deluge of COVID-19 cases were reported during the second wave of infections, fears that the virus is mutating at a faster rate and can cause reinfections have also surfaced. An overwhelmed healthcare system, scant medical supplies and the subsequent reliance on hospitals already teeming with hundreds of patients prove that you need to go the extra mile in taking precautions to safeguard yourself from catching an infection.

What are the New Variants?

Before we delve into what you need to do in order to keep safe from the new coronavirus xe strain, let’s take a look at the new COVID-19 variants that have spread in India so far.

B.1.617: Dr Maria Van Kerkhove on April 16^th said that the B.1.617 strain was first detected and reported by India, it has two mutations: the E484Q and the L452R. She also said that these are specific mutations within the genome and that it was first seen in two states at the end of 2020 and there was an increasing proportion of cases of this B1617 that have increased since the end of last year.

P.1: This new COVID-19 strain was found in Brazil first, and the first patient carrying it in India was identified in Maharashtra. There is reason to believe that this new coronavirus variant has undergone additional mutations that may make it unrecognisable to antibodies.

B.1.1.7: Although there is no evidence yet to suggest that the B.1.1.7 variant, first traced in the United Kingdom (UK), is more life-threatening, scientists have concluded that it is 70 per cent more infectious. First detected in India in December 2020, the strain now has hundreds of COVID-19 patients in its grip across the country. It also remains unknown whether this strain causes relatively severe illness.

How to Protect yourself from New COVID-19 Strains?

Although the initial reports of genetic mutation in the virus were alarming, now the public at large has come to grasp the concept. We now understand that the virus will continue to mutate, and that we must strengthen our defences against it by doing whatever is in our power.

Here are some measures you can take to protect yourself from new coronavirus strain:

Double Mask: Invest in masks with multiple layers. United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people to wear an additional mask over a single layer of protection. Since the transmissibility of these new coronavirus variants is increasing, a double mask would bolster your protection against catching an infection when you are in a high-risk environment.

You can choose from masks that filter airborne particles such as the kinds used to protect against air pollution. These include N95, KF94 and KN95. Alternatively, wear a mask that offers a snug fit and is properly stretched across your nose and mouth as it will help you keep droplet infection at bay. A surgical mask covered with a cloth mask is also a good way to double mask, especially when you are in a poorly ventilated space.

The transmissibility of the infection from vaccinated people is still under scrutiny by scientists. For this reason, everyone – even those who have been immunised – should wear a mask at all times.

Maintain Hygiene: As was being iterated at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, maintaining good hygiene by frequently washing hands for at least 30 seconds and wiping surfaces is a practice to continue fighting against the new COVID-19 strains. The virus can stay on certain surfaces for weeks, so these should be cleaned regularly, especially after having been exposed to a high-risk place.

In case you cannot wash your hands frequently, use 60 per cent alcohol hand sanitiser. Try to not touch your ears, eyes, mouth and face with unclean hands, and minimise contact if you have to visit a high-risk location so that you do not carry home the infection.

Increase Ventilation: Aerosol infections can occur when a number of people are constrained in a small, indoor space. The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that ventilation be increased by opening doors and windows when people can absolutely not avoid being in close quarters - like at places of work, grocery stores or while travelling in cars or other transport. The use of fans and quality particulate air filtration systems in places that have to remain open is a good way to increase ventilation and ensure that the same air is not being circulated in a closed space.

Get Vaccinated: Vaccines are imperative to prevent another rise in the number of COVID-19 cases as they will help the entire population inch closer to herd immunity. They will also control the severity of the illness. Most importantly, people must shun vaccine hesitancy and create awareness at their personal levels to encourage others to get immunised.

Reduce Social Interaction: Restricting the number of people with whom you socialise is an excellent strategy to follow in order to protect yourself and those cohabiting with you from the infection. Complete isolation is impractical as you will need to step out for essentials, so limiting your in-person social interactions is a good rule of thumb.

Keep the number of individuals and families you meet to a minimum. This is important because each new person you come in contact with can be a potential carrier of infection. Moreover, ensure that the circle you choose to socialise with is trustworthy so that you can receive timely intimation in the event of infection and prepare for your isolation accordingly. Finally, follow social distancing norms even during interactions with these people.

Conclusion

With the rapidly mutating virus, deep inequalities in the rollout of vaccines, and a stressed healthcare system, every individual must do their bit to fight the coronavirus pandemic. It is only through a collective effort that we can emerge from this global pandemic that has brought the world to its knees. Experts have repeatedly pointed out that wearing masks, maintaining hygiene and vaccination are the most effective tools available to us to fight the virus. Therefore, we must avoid letting our judgement lapse and take the responsibility to first protect ourselves.

However, all of these things won’t be enough if you don’t have enough financial backing for when the disease strikes. Hence, it is important to cover yourself with an appropriate health insurance plan such as a Corona Kavach health insurance. You might also want to consider a Corona Kavach family floater plan for your entire family’s healthcare.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/8-ways-to-stay-safe-from-the-new-coronavirus-strains#3.-Limit-onsite-shopping

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-explained-how-many-mutant-coronavirus-strains-are-present-in-india-and-are-these-variants-more-fatal/380587

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/coronavirus-new-strain-4-ways-to-minimize-your-risk-of-infection-right-now-and-stay-protected/photostory/81272973.cms?picid=81273112

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/healthcare/how-to-protect-yourself-against-coronavirus-variants/articleshow/81324372.cms?from=mdr

https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201231/precautions-even-more-important-with-new-coronavirus-variant-experts#1