Coronavirus: how the second wave differs from the first

The first wave of coronavirus was treated in the front line by infectologists to learn as much as possible about the virus. Now, this second wave joins the pulmonologists front, since this new strain differs from the first by causing severe acute respiratory failure. The advantage is that there are already precedents for how to treat the disease.

However, knowledge helps to take more protective measures for those who have material resources, and those who do not have them remain unprotected.

Unlike the first wave, this one has arrived with a population more prepared to organize its containment. But, people are also more vulnerable socioeconomically, as the world has suffered a pandemic for a year. There is currently a high unemployment rate, 40% of the population is in poverty families in a state of indigence, depression of a large part of the middle class with permanent closure of shops. Anguish can be added to these problems, in particular the most vulnerable groups such as elderly and young with comorbidities.

If the population is more prepared than a year ago, the incidence and mortality rate continue to increase alarmingly every week.

Will vaccination be a factor in favor?

According to experts, vaccination campaigns are factors in favor of containing the wave. Although it will not influence the transmission because there is very few people vaccinated. But the good thing is that they are vulnerable groups, so if it could have an effect on reducing serious cases and mortality.

The infectologist Raul Ruvinsky (M.N. 20.373), former head of the Maternal and Child Department at Durand Hospital. believes that the initiation of vaccination is likely to have induced a "false sense of security". Especially in young people who trust their immunity, but are unaware that they can infect parents and grandparents with a high risk of serious illness and death.

He also believes that the state should solve problems and strive to exponentially increase the availability of vaccines.

The new strains

The Ministry of Health reported that the community circulation of four new strains of coronavirus was detected in the country. And that data is still lacking on many of these variants, although they are probably not different enough from the start of the pandemic. This if we talk about being able to escape the immunity acquired with the first infection.

According to the data, the Manaus and Rio de Janeiro, the British and the South African they would be more contagious. In addition to the greater severity of pulmonary involvement, they attack younger people, with likely less response.

The restrictions are uncomfortable for the Government, but it is essential to be able to contain the second wave. The bet is that the economy suffers as little as possible.

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