Until everybody is safe, nobody is safe from Covid-19

When Covid-19 virus was first detected in China back in late 2019, Sri Lanka was one of the few countries that initiated disease prevention activities even before covid-19 was announced as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Since then the country has gone through several curfews, lockdowns and controlled activities in an attempt to curtail the spread of the virus which has not only taken a toll on the health and the social well-being of the country but the economy of the country at large. By the end of October 2021 Sri Lanka has lost over 13500 lives as a direct result of covid-19 infections.

“Prevention is better than cure”, explains Dr Ajith Alagiyawanna, Consultant Community Physician of the Health Promotion Bureau who commented when asked about the appropriate behaviours to curb the spread of the virus. 
“If we do not follow proper Covid Appropriate Behaviours (CAB), we might unfortunately end up in another surge of cases which will be the fourth consecutive peak,” notes Dr Alagiyawanna. According to Dr Alagiyawanna the most important measure as we all know is to receive the Covid-19 vaccine as soon as it is offered to your age group.

However, taking the vaccine must always be coupled with good COVID appropriate behaviours, such as maintaining at least one-metre distance when socializing, wearing a proper face mask and washing hands to name a few. Dr Alagiyawanna also reminds that if you are having any symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness likely to be Covid, to take socially responsible action to ensure that you do not spread the disease to another person.

“When you are at your work-place, look at your colleagues as ones who are already sick’ advises Dr Alagiyawanna stressing the potential possibility that any individual could carry the virus but remain asymptomatic. 80% of all Covid-19 positive patients remain asymptomatic and may not show any symptoms while 15% of the patients become seriously ill and require oxygen while 5% will become critically ill and will require intensive care”.

Covid Appropriate Behaviors (CAB) must be followed by each and every one to curb the spread of the Coronavirus. As the virus continues to mutate and evolve with new variants such as the Delta-plus, the most effective cure is to receive the vaccine

“If the spread is high, then the virus has the ability to mutate more,” states Dr Alagiyawanna who continued to highlight the connection between practicing proper Covid appropriate behaviours and the potential growth and spread of the virus. Increased spread and transmission guarantees more cases, more fatalities and a prolonged pandemic that would continue to impose a burden on normal social life.

The known remedy that is closer to a cure which is currently clinically approved to reduce the effects of Covid-19 is the vaccine. Dr Alagiyawanna states that all vaccines available in Sri Lanka as of now are safe and effective as they are scientifically approved by the WHO and the National Body following a strict scientific methodology. 

Commenting on available hand-made, traditional cures that are popular among Sri Lankan communities such as steaming and consuming a combination of herbal mixes as an exclusive cure against Covid-19, the Doctor mentioned that none of these techniques have a scientific basis to guarantee a cure against Covid-19. “Therefore, the best solution is to receive the vaccine to fight the virus by improving immunity which is scientifically proven.”

“If you look at the fatality rates due to Covid 19 in Sri Lanka, most deaths are of those patients who had underlying health conditions such as Non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Therefore, it is important that people with medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, chronic lung diseases, obesity and those who are under immuno-compromising medications receive the vaccine to better fight the virus. However, it is important that they also control their conditions with appropriate medical advice and attention,” Dr Alagiyawanna said.

Covid Appropriate Behaviours (CAB) must be followed by each and every one to curb the spread of the Coronavirus. As the virus continues to mutate and evolve with new variants such as the Delta-plus, the most effective cure is to receive the vaccine. False information and myths about the vaccines and the disease itself received through various sources such as social media has the potential to mislead the public. “False knowledge is more dangerous than ignorance,” he added while advising the public to receive the vaccine against Covid-19 as soon as possible which is the best remedial solution that each and every individual can adapt to help put a stop on the pandemic. 

(This article is part of an awareness campaign conducted jointly by the Health Promotion Bureau of the Ministry of Health, the World Bank and UNICEF to shed light on essential information in relation to Covid-19, the importance of Covid Appropriate Behaviou r (CAB) and the need to continue prevention measures after vaccination.)