Covid19: Prevention and Vaccination

From a small corner of the world to a roaring global pandemic – Covid19 took the world by storm in a few short months in the beginning of 2020. Towards the end of 2020, the daily cases were reducing and the vaccine trials showed promise of success. By February, a significant number of vaccines were administered the world over. Towards the beginning of March, given the sheer population of the country, India geared up for the largest vaccine drive compared to any other country.

However, despite precautions and a severe lockdown in 2020, some countries, including India are facing an even deadlier Second Wave of the Covid19 Virus. While there is no scientific and definitive evidence for what led to a deadlier comeback of the virus, scientists, researchers and medical experts are saying that a Third Wave is imminent in the coming months.

While we were caught mostly unprepared for the second wave of the virus, we can do our best to shift all our focus to tackling the coming months. Only with collaborative effort between healthcare workers, governments and authoritative organizations, pharma companies, and even the society at large, will we be able to get ahead of this virus.

In this article, we will address some pressing concerns and FAQs regarding preventive measures and the Covid19 vaccine. The following information could potentially help control the spread of the disease, prevent infections, and lessen the burden on the healthcare industry.

Covid19: Awareness and Precautions

Some simple steps and changes in your daily routine can significantly mitigate the spread of Covid19 and reduce your chances of contracting the virus. These are simple precautions that amount to good hygiene and clean surroundings.

1. Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub. Especially if you come in contact with foreign objects or other people, wash your hands or sanitise your hands. Only use alcohol-based sanitisers. And still wash your hands with soap and water as often as possible.
2. Maintain a safe distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Social distancing is a given irrespective of who the other person may be. Additionally, if someone is coughing or sneezing repeatedly, then distance yourself immediately. Water particles from a sneeze or cough can travel a substantial distance and infect you and others around.
3. Wear a mask at all times when you leave your home. If you must leave your house for any purpose, make sure you are wearing a mask, preferably two masks. Additionally, if you are taking a delivery at your door/gate or even interacting with your neighbour, always wear a mask! This applies to family members as well who you don’t live with.
4. Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
   Even if you are regularly washing and/or sanitizing your hands, do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth. These orifices are easy entry points for the virus.
5. Cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Do not sneeze into your hands as your hands will come in contact with other surfaces or objects and potentially spread the virus to other people. Remember, even if you are asymptomatic, you could still be carrying the virus. Always sneeze or cough into your elbow, or a tissue if you have one handy.
6. Stay home if you feel unwell. If you feel an onset of symptoms, whether fatigue, headache, irritability, fever, cold and cough, and such, immediately isolate yourself from other people and even your family. Separate yourself to a room with no contact with others in the house, except taking essentials from the door itself.

If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention. If symptoms continue or worsen despite basic medication, seek medical help. You do not need to rush to the hospital. Teleconsult your doctor and go to a hospital only if the doctor recommends it. Most cases of Covid19 can be controlled at home. You don’t want to further expose yourself at the hospital or unnecessarily burden the healthcare system.

Covid19: Vaccination

A vaccine typically contains an agent that resembles a disease-causing microorganism and is often made from weakened or killed forms of the microbe, its toxins, or one of its surface proteins. When injected into the body, the immune system produces antibodies to fight against the foreign substance. This way, if the body is later exposed to those disease-causing germs, the body is immediately ready to destroy them, preventing illness.

Vaccines work by preparing the body and it’s natural defences, that is the immune system, to recognise and fight against targeted viruses and bacteria.While the vaccination may not entirely prevent the disease or infection to the body, it will definitely mitigate the severity and symptoms of it, almost always preventing fatality.

Vaccines save millions of lives every year. Today, there is a battery of vaccines given to newborn babies and infants that protect them from some deadly viruses. Viruses that have long been eradicated due to the action of vaccines, the world over.

Aside from the precautions mentioned above, the only other remedy that we have against this disease is the vaccine. Till a cure or successful treatment is achieved, getting vaccinated is the only method we have to manage and control this highly-contagious virus.

1.Who should get vaccinated?
The Covid19 vaccines are safe for most people 18 years and older, including those with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, pulmonary diseases, as well as chronic infections that are stable and under control.

However, if you are taking any immunosuppressants, or if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a history of severe allergies, consult with your doctor. At present, there is no need for children to get vaccinated. Children and adolescents tend to have a milder form of Covid19 compared to adults, and manageable with symptomatic drugs.

2. What should you expect after taking the vaccine?
For about 30 minutes after the vaccine, you will be kept under observation so that healthcare personnel can treat you if you have any unusual or unexpected reactions to the vaccine. Before you leave the clinic/hospital.vaccine center, check when you need to come back for your second dose.

The second dose works as a booster dose to the primary shot. Second doses help boost the immune response and strengthen immunity. However, even after your vaccination, it is imperative that you continue to follow Covid19 guidelines.

3. Are there any side effects after the vaccine?
After any vaccine, mild side effects are to be expected. In fact, these side effects indicate that your body is producing antibodies and building the protection required to fight against the coronavirus.
Soreness at the site of the injection
Mild fever for 24-48 hours
Fatigue and/or tiredness
Headaches and/or muscle pain

However, if these worsen over the 24-36 hours after your vaccine or persist beyond 48 hours, contact your healthcare provider. Additionally if there is redness, swelling or tenderness where you got the shot, teleconsult your doctor.

4. Should I take a painkiller before the vaccine?
Taking painkillers before the covid19 vaccine to prevent side effects is not recommended. This is because it is not known how painkillers may affect how well the vaccine works. However, you may take paracetamol or other painkillers if you do develop any of the side effects mentioned above.

5. Are vaccines safe during menstruation?
Yes. Vaccines and menstruation have nothing to do with each other. Your body is not weaker or compromised during your periods and will respond as desired to the vaccination. Only if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, teleconsult your doctor before taking the vaccine.

6.Can I stop wearing a mask after vaccination?
No. Vaccinations only reduce the risk and severity of the disease, they can not completely prevent you from contracting the disease. Additionally, Covid19 precautionary guidelines not only prevent you from falling ill, but they also prevent spreading the disease.

Even after you get both shots of the vaccine, you must continue:
a. Maintaining social distancing
b. Wearing a mask
c. Frequently cleaning your hands
d. Cough/sneeze into your elbow or a tissue
e. Ensure good ventilation at all times

7. How can I register for the vaccination?
In India, you can register for the vaccine on https://www.cowin.gov.in/home
At present, the vaccination drive is focused on completing both doses for citizens 45 years and older. However, anyone 18 years and older can register for the vaccination. To book online, you only need a mobile number and your Aadhaar Card.
Some centers allow walk in registrations. This is done to bridge the gap with sections of society that may not be able to register themselves on Cowin or on Aarogya Sethu. However, it is advisable for you to book your slot online.

If you have any questions or queries, please feel free to write into us on any of our social platforms or directly through the website. Our panel of expert doctors and clinicians will respond to your queries at the earliest.

Please note, Dosily.com is an online medical learning platform. Our courses, articles and social platforms are driven by the sole purpose to make clinical and medical knowledge accessible to all. We are not a healthcare organisation and cannot help you with diagnosis, treatment, or resources such as ICU beds, medicines, oxygen cylinders and such.

For medical help and assistance, please seek advice and guidance only from healthcare institutions and healthcare professionals. Together, let’s stay informed, follow the guidelines and protocol, and work towards conquering this pandemic.