Health for All - World Health Day 2023

The past year has been one of recovery & reconciliation after the mayhem we found ourselves in during the years 2020 – 21 with the Covid pandemic then in full flow. It is now increasingly evident that the pandemic has localized within our community and is no longer spreading within or without, in the volumes we saw during the height of the pandemic. This is a positive fallout of the natural immunity conferred on individuals who were infected with the virus and also obtained from the full dose of Covid vaccinations.

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As the immunity among individuals in the community increases adequately to the point that person-to-person spread stops happening, the multiplication and virulence of the virus reduce as does it’s mutagenicity or its ability to replicate its genetic code.

With new strains consequently unable to sustain, the infection is likely to become endemic within the community. All that the virus can then do is only opportunistically await sporadic flares among the weak & susceptible. The susceptibility increases with the waning of immunity over a period of time or with the vulnerability afforded by serious systemic illnesses.

Even today we are seeing a spurt in cases within India in the last two weeks of March 2023. This is something we have to accept and live with for months & years ahead, not dissimilar to the situation concerning influenza in the community. Those who are unable to obtain their COVID vaccine shots will become vulnerable to occasional bouts of the infection from time to time whenever their immunity abates or whenever ill health exposes them to the virus. After all, viruses are very opportunistic and selective in their infectivity and it is crucial for us to remember that.

Ultimately, it all boils down to “Owning your own Health”. During the pandemic, one thing became increasingly evident. There is only this much that the state can actively do to cater to your individual health. Your ability to battle challenges similar to those experienced during COVID-19 is greatly influenced by the wellness generated by your own lifestyle, your genetic make-up and the environment you live in. While your genes are inherited and out of the purview of your control, your lifestyle, which reflects your eating and drinking habits and your daily activity levels among other things, is entirely in your control.

Likewise, the upkeep of the environment, both the physical and the psycho-social one around you, solicits a huge contribution from you and your cohorts and it is imperative we recall this as we discuss the various so-called appropriate behaviour that we practised not too long ago while in the vice-like grip of the pandemic:-

Avoid overcrowded or poorly ventilated settings. Wear a mask when in crowded or closed locations
Use a handkerchief when sneezing or coughing
Maintain hand hygiene always
Avoid spitting in public places
Have your daily dose of aerobic exercise for 45 minutes to an hour
Eat a balanced and wholesome diet, rich in proteins and fibre and low in calories, fat and salt
Avoid tobacco & alcohol
Ensure you sleep regularly & adequately

Follow your health parameters with regular annual check-ups.

Stay safe. Stay healthy & happy!