Medically Reviewed by-
Dr. Saurabh Awasthi
(respiratory specialist, intensive care unit)
Noida
The speed of the Omicron variant, which caused the third wave of corona infection in December-January, seems to have stopped for the time being. In January, where more than 2.5 lakh infected were being confirmed daily, in the last 24 hours, the number of infected people has come down to close to 6900. These figures may be a relief, but scientists are constantly appealing to all the people to keep taking preventive measures. Recently, a team of scientists from IIT Kanpur has warned people about the possibility of a fourth wave of infection in the country in the month of June. Not only this, scientists say that this wave can continue for more than four months.
IIT Kanpur professors S. Prasad Rajeshbhai, Subhra Shankar Dhar and Shalabh have claimed a fourth wave in June based on data from Zimbabwe. However, at this time when there is a decrease in the cases of corona in the country, as well as normal life is coming back on track, there is a question in the minds of the people that why the discussion of the fourth wave has started? Is Omicron going to reveal an infectious variant as well? Let us understand this in detail in the next slides.
Fourth wave may come in June
Researchers from IIT Kanpur claim that the fourth wave may start in mid-June, while the infection may reach its peak by August. The researchers have not yet specified any variant that could be considered a possible cause of the fourth wave. According to experts, the severity, transmissibility and lethality of the infection will depend on the nature of the variant. For the time being, everyone needs to be prepared for the coming danger.
What do experts say?
In a conversation with AnyTV, Dr Saurabh Awasthi, Senior Physician, Intensive Care Unit, tells that there is always a possibility of mutation with the virus. As seen during the third wave, the virus contained several mutations that made Omicron more contagious than Delta. As Omicron’s effect is waning, the virus naturally mutates to maintain its existence, possibly on the basis of what scientists are claiming in the fourth wave.
Which variants can pose a threat?
Looking at some previous studies, it is found that scientists are alerting about Omicron’s sub-variant BA.2. Britain’s Health Services Agency (UKHSA) said in a report that it is more infectious than the original variant of Omicron, not only that it can also dodge traditional corona testing. In another study, scientists have claimed that several such signals have been observed in this sub-variant, which enable it to cause serious disease. It is feared that infection caused by this strain can cause serious disease like Delta. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also expressed concern about this variant.
differing opinions of experts
In a recent report, epidemiologist Eric Fang raised concerns about Omicron’s sub-variant BA.2. Fang wrote, this new variant of Corona can bring new troubles, possibly even the fear of the next wave.
However, on the contrary, Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, co-chair of the IMA COVID Task Force, had said that it would cause a fourth wave in the country, it is not expected at the moment. People who have been infected during the third wave have a lower risk of infection with BA.