Get infected, get cured & be free attitude on the rise

NAGPUR: Sandeep Patle works as an accountant in a wholesale grocery dealer’s outlet in Itwari. Every day, he comes into contact with many people like labourers, dealers, consumers and fellow workers. Sandeep had developed Covid symptoms several times in the last two months during ‘Mission Begin Again’ and tested negative on two occasions.

“Every time I cough or sneeze, people start doubting if its Covid-19. I wish I test positive once and end this game once and for all. I’m young and fit. I’m sure I will develop immunity and recover. I was able to concentrate on work only after a 14-day isolation followed by recovery,” Sandeep told TOI.

There are many like Sandeep who work in crowded places like wholesale grain and vegetable markets, hospitals, shops, as delivery executives and in restaurant kitchens. Doctors have observed that there’s a significant rise in the number of people who have left with no fear about the Covid-19 infection anymore.

Rather, these people don’t bother to get infected with the novel coronavirus and get cured either through home isolation or limited period of hospitalization. ‘Once cured, we are immune and protected from the virus’, is the general attitude of these people.

“We can say that 25% have this attitude, especially the working class who will die of starvation if the economy stops functioning. The stress of living without earning has taken over the fear of Covid-19. But people like us who work in the medical profession who have seen the effect and outcomes of Covid-19 are still scared about it,” said cardiologist Dr Amar Amale.

“There are many who have mild symptoms and ask for medicines on phone. I tell them to go for a test but such people ignore my advice. Once recovered, they are ready to conduct antibody tests just to use it as so called ‘risk-free certificate’,” said physician Dr Anagha Pandit.

According to doctors, this attitude may work for some young and healthy people, but may put other vulnerable patients at risk. “Asymptomatic patients are roaming around and putting the vulnerable at risk,” said pulmonologist Dr Sameer Arbat.

In fact, many aspects and long-term manifestations of Covid-19 are still unknown. So, this unnecessary bravery may be dangerous. “Keeping one protected from the disease is the best way to stay safe. Wash your hands, wear masks and follow rules religiously,” added Dr Arbat.

According to WHO, at this point in time, there is not enough evidence about the effectiveness of antibody-mediated immunity to guarantee the accuracy of an “immunity passport” or “risk-free certificate.” People who assume that they are immune to a second infection because they have received a positive test result may ignore public health advice. “The use of such certificates may therefore increase the risks of continued transmission,” reads a scientific brief on this topic on WHO’s website.