The festive season is here, and so is winter. With all of us stranded at home for most of the year, the desire for celebration and social gathering is climbing. We are all eagerly waiting for the distribution of Covid-19 vaccines, so we may gain immunity and go about our lives as it was the case in the pre-coronavirus era. Vaccine development and immunisation are, however, time-consuming. Thus, while the scientific community works on a biologic solution, we must continue to take part in the practice of the ‘social vaccine’.
The Covid-19 social vaccine includes social distancing, hand hygiene, face masks, and isolation. Since the discovery of the mode of spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, these measures have been widely popularised. Over the last nine months, Covid fatigue has set in all of us, and there has been laxity in the practice of the laid down Covid appropriate behaviour. Without reinforcement, this will only worsen.
We are currently in the unlock process after a long lockdown phase. At this time, the number of cases in certain parts of India is again on the rise. The disease is just as, if not more rampant in its spread, and has not heeded to our efforts of lockdown. Social vaccination is still the only way to safeguard ourselves. The virus will enter our homes if we falter and permit it. It is up to us to keep ourselves and those around us safe and healthy.
To elaborate the measures yet again, social distancing includes physical distancing of individuals by at least six feet. We do not have to be socially or emotionally distant in these times, just physically distant. We have been blessed with technology to bring the world closer. The utilisation of these online platforms will help us socialise when we have to practice social distancing. Washing your hands with soap and water (or alcohol hand rubs) for at least 20 seconds, frequently, will keep you from spreading the virus by touch. Let us strengthen the Indian tradition of ‘Namaste’, and say no to handshakes. Face masks will not only protect you from Covid-19 but other winter viruses like the common cold, and influenza. Most importantly, remember to be socially vigilant, and isolate yourself if you are symptomatic.
A vaccine is not a magic bullet to end the pandemic. The introduction, logistics, and effects of vaccination is a drawn-out process. Even with a sound biological vaccine, social vaccination is still the most crucial aspect of disease prevention. The two should go hand-in-hand to control the disease and are not mutually exclusive. Both of these would need staggering community participation, with the social vaccine requiring the full and conscious effort of the entire population without which it is bound to fail. The fate of the pandemic rests in the hands of each and every one of us. Here’s to celebrating the festive season the way it was meant to be, with lights and goodwill.
Dr Neeraj Nischal is Associate Professor, Medicine Department, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. He wrote this article with the help of Dr Sujay Halkur Shankar, Resident Doctor at AIIMS.