India is already witnessing the third weave of COVID-19, led by the Omicron variant. The positive rate in some states and Union Territories is above 15 per cent, way beyond the 5 per cent mark for Red Alert. This is worrying as India has already reported the first death related to Omicron – a variant of concern as declared by the World Health Organization. In such a scenario, it is important to take some precautions at all levels – personal, community, the country as well global – to protect ourselves as well as others from the Omicron variant.
At Personal Level
Nutrition: According to Dr Karthiyayini Mahadevan – Head, Wellness and Wellbeing at Columbia Pacific Communities – it is very important to have age-appropriate balanced nutrition. “Nutrition with the right quantity and quality of micronutrients and macronutrients is very important to support a good immune system,” says Dr Mahadevan.
Rest and Sleep: In order to prepare our body to fight germs, good quality of sleep and adequate rest is essential. For good quality of sleep, we must have dinner early – better if closer to the sunset as it meets the circadian rhythm.
Physical Activity: Adequate physical activity is also very important. Be it yoga, walking, or aerobics. This is essential to reduce stress and maintain balanced emotions.
At Community Level
No one is safe until everyone is safe. Yes, this is true for the coronavirus pandemic. So we all need to follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour. Wearing masks, following norms of social distancing, and washing hands or using sanitizers at regular intervals are very important.
At Country Level
Government must prioritize vaccination for vulnerable groups and it must be made sure that each one of us gets vaccinated at the earliest.
At Global Level
Coronavirus is one of the worst pandemics in several decades and therefore we must stand together. We must support each other globally to bring the pandemic under control. For this, we should share our resources and studies with each other.
