Ziqitza Healthcare - Things you should know about Second Wave
                     Ziqitza Healthcare : Things you should know about 
Second Wave
It has been more than a year since the deadly Covid-19 
wreaked havoc in India and even after several efforts to 
contain its spread, the second wave of the virus is currently 
spreading like wildfire in the nation. Like all other 
pandemics in the past, a second wave with the Covid-19 
was an expected occurrence. But the first wave did give us 
very important lessons of preventing a second one. Since 
we did not learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it. 
During the second Covid wave, the most common 
symptoms remain dry cough, fever, loss of taste, and smell, 
however, there has been evidence of the mutated forms of 
the virus producing different symptoms and reportedly 
being more transmissible.
We at Ziqitza have observed in the previous wave, children almost 
escaped unscathed. Increasing numbers of symptomatic 
infections in children is another concern in the current wave. This 
change in the age group of symptomatic infection is also evident 
because a higher number of younger people are getting infected 
this time around. This may be attributed to the fact that this is the 
age group that steps out to work and socialize but at the same 
time show very poor compliance to Covid-appropriate behavior. 
Runny nose, vomiting, loose motions, and coughs that begin early 
but continue for over 2 weeks are being seen much more 
commonly with the current variant. In some individuals, there is 
no fever at all and in others fever sometimes begins only a day or 
two after the other symptoms. Since patients do not attribute 
their colds and abdominal discomfort to Covid, they continue 
interacting with people until the fever strikes. By then, they have 
transmitted the virus to a few households. 
Ziqitza Rajasthan, therefore, urges citizens that they should 
isolate themselves at the very onset of anything uncomfortable 
they experience, be it even a headache or even a slight sore 
throat. 
Why are New Mutations a big concern?
Researchers have discovered a new variant with two new 
mutations which may be better at evading the immune system. 
In 15-20 percent of samples from the Indian state of 
Maharashtra (the state accounting for 62 percent of cases in the 
country), a new, double mutation in key areas of the virus has 
been detected. These are now known as the E484Q and L452R 
mutations.
What makes the variant different is that both of these mutations 
are concerning because they are located in a key portion of the 
virus the spike protein that it uses to penetrate human cells. Spike 
proteins attach via a “receptor binding domain”, meaning the 
virus can attach to receptors in our cells.
These new mutations include changes to the spike protein that 
make it a “better fit” for human cells. This means the virus can 
gain entry more easily and multiply faster.
Given what we have seen with other similar mutations, it might 
also make it harder for our immune system to recognize the virus 
due to its slightly different shape. This means our immune system 
may not be able to recognize the virus as something it has to 
produce antibodies against.
With new variants on the rise, what India needs the 
most right now is an effective strain surveillance 
system and data analysis. Currently, we have only 
limited information on the number of variant 
infections, reinfections, or infections post-vaccination. 
This data is absolutely essential to strengthen our 
Covid combat strategy. To really understand how the 
virus is evolving and to what extent the new variants 
have spread, we need to sequence more samples says 
Dr. Datar, Ziqitza Limited.
What must we as individuals do?
A combination of new strains, vaccine hesitancy, and Covid-
denial among people at large has led to a potent second surge of 
cases in India. Seeing the situation ZHL Rajasthan advises people 
as an individual the best we can do to fight off the pandemic is 
not to panic but to act. By getting vaccinations at the appropriate 
intervals, strictly following COVID norms, and strengthening 
one’s immunity to fight diseases. Adequate immune response 
takes 2-3 weeks after completion of the entire vaccination 
schedule. That why it’s important not to miss the second dose.
Dr Santosh Datar, Ziqitza Healthcare Ltd says it’s very common 
to get post-vaccination symptoms of mild body ace and fever 
don’t panic ensure you take 2nd dose within the set interval. 
Remember vaccination is just to develop antibodies that will 
help you react less to the virus. 
The new strain is different, the symptoms are different, 
so it is important that you learn how to identify the new 
symptoms, and get tested if you suspect that you may 
have COVID 19. Isolate yourself immediately to curb the 
spread of the virus. Don't Panic Dial toll-free number, 
104 Health helpline operated by Ziqitza Healthcare in 
association with State Government and National Health 
Mission which has trained doctors on call who would 
help you with next steps. If you have any doubts 
concerning the new Covid symptoms, vaccination 
process, post-vaccination symptoms clear them all by 
calling Dial 104 Health Helpline.