Coronavirus: How can we avoid a COVID third wave? AIIMS Chief answers

The second wave of coronavirus wreaked a lot of havoc in the recent past and left people in a state of chaos and panic. It took a massive toll on people's lives and also posed great challenges to the country's medical infrastructure. Now, with the speculation of a possible third wave, it has become even more important for everyone to stay vigilant and be on their guard.

Read more: Coronavirus: What do we know about the possible third wave of COVID-19

AIIMS chief Dr Randeep Guleria had recently said that the third COVID wave in India is "inevitable" and can hit the country in the next six to eight weeks. As several states began to unlock and border restrictions were lifted, many people were seen letting their guards down. Earlier in the statement, the doctor said that people haven't learnt anything from what happened between the first and the second wave. With a majority of people still waiting to be vaccinated, according to the expert, a huge challenge lies ahead in our fight against the COVID crisis.

Read more: Coronavirus third wave inevitable, can hit India in 6 to 8 weeks

The prevalence of the Delta variant and the unpredictability of the virus only makes the virus more dangerous and concerning. With people letting their guards down, a third COVID wave is likely to arrive. However, experts have not yet reached a conclusion about whether or not the third wave will be more devastating or severe than the previous waves.

Recent studies have stressed on the need to contain the spread of the Delta variant, which is believed to be a dominant strain of the SARs-COV-2 virus. But given that more people have been vaccinated than earlier and many have caught the illness in the second wave, scientists are yet to determine the severity of the coming COVID crisis.

The central government had recently said that a serosurvey has found that 2/3 of the population above the age of six years has COVID antibodies, but stressed that around 40 crore people are still prone to the infection and there is no room for complacency.

While the viruses have continued to mutate and proved unpredictable in recent times, the only way to ensure safety is through mass vaccination and by following the COVID rules. On Friday, Dr Randeep Guleria addressed the masses again and spoke about the various ways we can prevent the COVID third wave. Here are some things you can do to avoid the same amount of havoc wreaked by the second COVID wave and to delay the occurrence of the third wave.

The SARs-COV-2 virus has proved extremely unpredictable. From mild to moderate infections, it can also cause severe ailments in people, even leading to fatalities. Given that the virus spares no one and can affect both older adults and youngsters, vaccination is the only way to keep everyone safe. While COVID vaccines do not mean that you're immune to the virus, you're still protected from severe infection risks and hospitalisation.

Read more: Coronavirus: Vaccines key solution to fight third wave of COVID, say experts

Although the number of COVID cases have dropped down, it does not mean that the pandemic is over. Crowded areas are still risky and not wearing your mask puts you and people around you at major risk. Dr. Randeep Guleria stresses on the fact that people should continue following COVID-appropriate behaviour, which includes wearing your masks, maintaining social distance and avoiding crowded areas.

While several states have lifted their border restrictions and the country has been unlocked, it does not mean that you can freely roam around anywhere. Non-essential travels and unnecessary tours should be avoided at all costs. Leave your homes only when absolutely necessary.

That said, with the third COVID wave looming over us, one should not let their guards down yet. People should be more vigilant than ever.