THE THIRD WAVE: IS IT COMING?

Is the Third Wave Coming? That is probably the most pertinent question of the current times.

FLO got together experts from different fields – Dr. JP Muliyal, an Epidemiologist, Dr. Shahid Jameel, Virologist, Dr. Maninder Agarwal, Forecastor, Dr. Mathew Varghese, a Healthcare Specialist and Dr. Sujeet Rajan, a Pulmonologist and moderator for the panel to discuss the onset of third wave and how prepared can we be.

The experts shared a common opinion on a less intense third wave, which is expected to hit the nation in small pockets provided we continue to follow COVID protocols. Experts also suggest r that this should also be taken as an opportunity to strengthen communities so they may fight a crisis together.

The event was put together by Kiran Gera, FLO past president.

There is a lot of speculation, trepidation and even fear regarding the THIRD WAVE of Covid,

The session covered a range of aspects related to the Third Wave including the following:

• When could we expect the THIRD WAVE to hit India?
• How virulent could it be? How long will it last?
• What will be the difference between the second wave and THIRD WAVE with regard to variants/mutants? Could other diseases accompany Covid e.g Black Fungus in second wave?
• How well prepared is India in terms of civic infrastructure and resources in the urban areas?
• How well-prepared is India in terms of medical infrastructure and resources?
• How will our current vaccination program impact our ability to deal with the THIRD WAVE?
• What can an individual citizen do, to be prepared to deal with the THIRD WAVE and mitigate its impact on himself and his family?
• Will our children, all of whom will constitute, the unvaccinated segment of our populace, be at risk?