The global downward trend in new COVID-19 cases has been very noticeable; the recent numbers have dropped below 500,000 new cases a day for the first time in many months. This is mainly due to the growing numbers of vaccinated populations.
Last weekend we received confirmation that the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines are very effective in preventing infections of the Indian variant.
The Indian government has found a special way to encourage people in the most remote areas to take up the vaccine being offered by giving them a cow. This has led to a shortage of vaccines and probably also of cows…
What lessons can we draw from this pandemic? Are we going to get rid of this COVID-19 virus for good? Perhaps not. Epidemiologists estimate that COVID-19 will become a seasonal virus, similar to the various influenza viruses.
The truth is that we can draw several conclusions and lessons from this pandemic. We must improve communication and honest reporting between countries so that appropriate effective measures can be taken in a timely manner. Seasonal vaccination programmes are more important today than ever. Disinfection practices and social distancing measures must persist even after this worldwide crisis has ended.
The next public health crisis may always be imminent, so we have to be aware and practice healthy lifestyles. We must remember that the groups hardest hit by this pandemic are people with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity.
All these clinical conditions can be avoided in most cases and are easily controllable.
Keep safe.
