Omicron could cause massive third wave in India

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has warned of a possible third wave in our country due to the Omicron variant. In this context, the health care and front-line workers have been advised by the central government to give an extra dose of the corona vaccine. At the same time, those between the ages of 12 and 18 were also asked to be vaccinated. The new variant of Omicron cases has been reported in key states of the country. Omicron has some 50 mutations including over 30 in its spike protein alone. It was first reported from southern Africa where it is most prevalent. The number of cases has already doubled.

The number would increase massively in the coming days. As per IMA, more than 50 percent of the total population of the country has been vaccinated with at least one dose. It has already been proven that the vaccine can save off corona infection. It is in this context that we can also counteract the effect of Omicron if we focus fully on the vaccination process. Everyone says they want to get two doses of the vaccine. The focus should be on those who have not yet been vaccinated and see to it that they are vaccinated. The medical association said it was asking the central government to announce a third dose vaccine for front-line workers and healthcare staff.

In addition, those with low immunity should also be given an extra dose. Omicron says the infection is not as severe but spreads 5 to 10 percent faster than the Delta variant. It is in this context that governments need to take concrete steps to curb the virus. They said they were not suggesting a travel ban be imposed. However, it said not to make unnecessary trips and not to congregate in large numbers. Covid protocol must be strictly adhered to in the public transport system. Five Indian states have detected cases - Maharashtra (10), Karnataka (two), Rajasthan (nine), Gujarat (one), and Delhi (one).