- By now, the health authorities and experts from all over the world have a semblance of understanding as to how the SARS-COV-02 transmissions take place and how effectively we need to target interventions to stop the further spread of the virus. Initial uncertainty that existed when the virus was an unknown entity yet to be understood of its manifestations has paved way for a more nuanced but definite approach in not only arresting the menace to a great extent but also introducing various measures to combat effectively as well.
PC: Chitra Pattabiraman
- One of the major turnarounds has been to arrive at conclusions as to how the virus spreads and the rate at which the transmission occurs after a thorough analysis of the infection. We all know of the importance of adhering to the standard safety and health parameters viz. WMD, no it is not Weapons of Mass Destruction, but washing hands frequently, wearing of a personal mask, and maintaining at least six feet distance. This will remain the only effective measure till any one of the vaccine candidates finally appears for mass usage.
- Apart from early detection by adopting testing, tracing, tracking, and treatment protocols, home quarantine as an effective way to isolate the virus from spreading far and wide was universally accepted alongside institutional quarantine. Especially, as the majority of the patients were found to be asymptomatic, the home quarantine methodology considerably reduced the burden on healthcare infrastructure allowing moderate to severe cases of symptomatic cases to be treated at these facilities. A prime example is our country.
PC: JC PUNONGBAYAN
- As the authorities kept analyzing various data on the infection front, it is revealed that households show the highest transmission rates of all indoor settings as the asymptomatic person infecting a close contact is estimated at 3.5 percent as compared to 12.8 percent chance for any symptomatic persons. As can be seen, any person testing positive for the dreaded infection with moderate to severe symptoms is well-advised to avoid home quarantine by opting to get treatment from an institutional facility.
- However, mildly symptomatic and asymptomatic patients may continue to undergo home quarantine provided all necessary health protocols are in strict observance as any lax might result in spreading the virus within the household. In India, self-isolation in homes has proved to be quite an effective tool in tackling the virus and will remain so in the foreseeable future as well. The only area of concern is for the health authorities to keep strengthening the monitoring processes and improve access to testing at homes.
PC: Dhruv Khullar
- On their part, the citizens testing positive for the infection must follow prescribed guidelines in toto whilst undergoing home quarantine or for that matter institutional quarantine rather than indulging in petty tantrums that might hurt themselves and/or their families. Therefore, it is incumbent on each one of us to appreciate what the authorities are undertaking so assiduously to ensure we remain healthy and to complement efforts by consensual adherence. The fight to tame the virus is not over yet.
