Coronavirus: A Second Wave?

The Novel Coronavirus pandemic is far from over, and health experts already fear a "second wave." As restrictions placed under the global lockdown are being eased by and by, professional health service workers are warning governmental authorities to observe caution still. A second wave of the pandemic is on its way, according to them.

What is the Second Wave?

What does a “second wave” mean for the COVID-19 contagion? Infectious diseases do not follow a linear path of movement; their cases tend to rise and fall with time. A wave describes the curve of an outbreak. Medical professionals are suspicious of a second wave of the pandemic based on the Spanish flu outbreak of 1918. The virus mutated and reappeared in a deadlier avatar after the first wave, killing far more people than in the first incidence.

In order for a second wave to start, the first wave needs to have been brought under control so that cases decline notably. The curve of the rise of infection needs to be successfully flattened. It can only be achieved through strict lockdowns, virus tracking, and large-scale testing among the population. The second wave signals a resurgence of these cases, which is bound to happen once these restrictions are opened back up in the absence of a vaccine to treat the virus definitively.

While there is no formal definition for a second wave, epidemiologists believe that they can identify one if it occurs. The second wave of a pandemic usually resurfaces with improved strength triggering a repeat in the number of rising infections and collapsing health care systems in its wake.

Can a Second Wave Be Prevented?

A second wave of the Novel Coronavirus pandemic may emerge if lockdown restrictions are lifted too much. The lockdown might have introduced countless difficulties in our lives, such as schools, offices and avenues for entertainment shutting down, but they have been successful in controlling the spread of the virus. However, strict social distancing mores and rules of assembly are not only impacting industry but also affecting societal mental health. So, what is the way forward?

Doctors believe that we have to chance upon that sacred middle ground which allows for stemming in the spread of infection but also manages to minimalize daily disruption in our way of life.

If clusters, where these infections are occurring, can be identified, and local lockdowns can be observed, a second wave of the viral outbreak can be prevented. All the same, winter is slowly approaching, and it is important that we keep our immune health fighting fit to ready ourselves for flu outbreaks during the season.

Inculcate Good Health Habits

Until a vaccine for the Novel Coronavirus has been developed, the only way to keep ourselves safe from contracting the infection is to keep our immune system at its most effective. We can do this by following a good diet, getting an adequate amount of rest and sleep, and exercising our body regularly. Limiting smoking and drinking also helps us stay healthier and more immune, able to fight off infection risk in a more capable manner.

Phoenix Family Medical Clinic is open for telemedicine sessions. If you feel like you have a cold or would like to seek help for your mental health, we are open for service. Call or email us to make an appointment now.

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