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Published on: Jul 02, 2021
2 minute read
By: Dr Rakesh Rai

Delta Plus Variant Mystery: What Can Cause The Third Covid Wave?

Delta plus variant mystery: What can cause the third Covid wave?

Things in India are looking to normalize and beginning to reopen after a deadly second wave of Covid-19 infections devastated the country in April and May. There is various thought process from experts who are warning that a third wave could strike in the next few months. The majority of Indians are worried about new variants named delta plus, which is related to the Delta, an existing variant of concern first identified in India last year that was responsible for the deadly second wave.

The million-dollar question is how realistic these fears are. The reality is that future waves are not out of question but their severity and spread depend on several factors. In the past few weeks, the number of average daily cases in India has tapered down to less than 40,000 in recent days which was peak over 420,000 in May. The big drop in numbers has mainly because of strict lockdowns by states.

Many social and political events added to the second wave. If the reopening process are not orchestrated in a controlled fashion the next wave could come sooner than expected.

We are in a very decisive phase and our fate will depend on how we behave. Opening the states in a staggered manner is best. Going aggressive with vaccination and continue with COVID protocols will be the winning strategy. A balanced local and central health protocols could do the magic while severe action on defaulters could be used as a deterrent.

We know that the Delta variant had a killer impact during the second wave. The risk of future mutants in densely populated areas is known and preventive actions should be put in place immediately. There is no clear data around Delta plus but things have changed really fast when the proactive approach is not taken in advance. We need to understand that mutants only emerge when active transmission happening. A lot of research is happening around it take preemptive containment measures by understanding probable sequences.

So far data is indicating that the current vaccine is delivering good results in emerging mutants. India had sequenced 30,000 samples until June, but experts believe more needs to be done because the current vaccine is not a guaranteed long-term solution.

There are multiple cases where vaccinated people have got infected. Some call 3rd wave inevitable and some call it will be a smaller wave but the science is indicating that it will all depend on how effective our existing vaccine is against the new variants.

So, in conclusion, one can say that the key is the vaccinated population in controlling the wave and even allowing it to be formed. The acquired immunity and its efficacy will be crucial in determining the damage the third wave can cause. The required daily dose is upwards of 10 million to get all eligible populations covered by 2021.

The wide range of infection-causing natural antibodies and vaccination combined will provide the ammunition India needs badly to shield against future variants. The problem is the data around it is not very accurate. During the height of infections lot of COVID, infections went unreported. A lot of statisticians around it are guessing the acquired immunity percentage to be around 65%. This number should not be the reason we can take it easy.

Acquired immunity is immunity you develop over time from a vaccine or exposure to the infection.

Conclusively it can be said that “Third wave is only possible if the new variant beats the barriers of acquired immunity.”

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Symptoms of Chronic Inflammation in the Body: Early Warning Signs Explained

Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism that helps the body fight infections and heal injuries. However, when inflammation persists for months or even years without a clear cause, it becomes chronic. Chronic inflammation can silently damage tissues and increase the risk of serious diseases.

In India, rising cases of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and autoimmune disorders are often linked to long-term inflammatory processes. Recognizing the symptoms of chronic inflammation in the body is essential for early prevention and treatment.

What Is Chronic Inflammation?

Acute inflammation is short-term and occurs in response to injury or infection. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is:

Persistent
Low-grade
Often symptomatically subtle
Linked to long-term health conditions

It may occur due to unhealthy lifestyle habits, stress, obesity or underlying disease.

Common Symptoms of Chronic Inflammation

1. Persistent Fatigue

Ongoing tiredness that does not improve with rest may indicate systemic inflammation.

Inflammatory chemicals in the body can interfere with energy production.

2. Joint and Muscle Pain

Unexplained pain, stiffness or swelling in joints may suggest inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

Pain may:

Last for weeks
Worsen in the morning
Occur without injury

3. Digestive Issues

Chronic inflammation may affect the gut, leading to:

Bloating
Diarrhea or constipation
Abdominal discomfort
Food sensitivities

Gut health and immune function are closely connected.

4. Frequent Infections

A weakened immune response due to chronic inflammation may result in:

Recurrent colds
Slow wound healing
Persistent sore throat

5. Skin Problems

Inflammatory skin conditions include:

Acne
Eczema
Psoriasis
Rashes

Persistent skin issues may reflect internal inflammation.

6. Brain Fog and Mood Changes

Inflammation can affect brain function, causing:

Difficulty concentrating
Memory issues
Irritability
Low mood

Mental and physical health are interconnected.

7. Unexplained Weight Changes

Inflammation may disrupt metabolism, leading to:

Abdominal weight gain
Difficulty losing weight

Obesity itself can further promote inflammation.

Causes of Chronic Inflammation

Common contributing factors include:

Poor diet high in processed foods
Excess sugar intake
Smoking
Alcohol abuse
Chronic stress
Lack of exercise
Sleep deprivation
Environmental pollution

Addressing these factors is essential for prevention.

Diseases Linked to Chronic Inflammation

Long-term inflammation is associated with:

Type 2 diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Cancer
Autoimmune disorders
Fatty liver disease
Alzheimer’s disease

Early intervention reduces risk significantly.

How to Reduce Chronic Inflammation Naturally

1. Adopt an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Include:

Fresh fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
Nuts and seeds
Fatty fish
Olive oil

Avoid processed foods and excessive sugar.

2. Exercise Regularly

Moderate physical activity lowers inflammatory markers.

Aim for at least 30 minutes daily.

3. Manage Stress

Chronic stress increases inflammatory hormones.

Practice:

Meditation
Yoga
Deep breathing exercises

4. Improve Sleep

7–8 hours of quality sleep supports immune regulation.

5. Maintain Healthy Weight

Reducing excess body fat lowers inflammation levels.

6. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol

Both habits promote inflammatory responses in the body.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Consult a healthcare professional if you experience:

Persistent fatigue
Joint swelling
Recurrent infections
Unexplained pain
Long-lasting digestive problems

Blood tests such as C-reactive protein (CRP) may help assess inflammation levels.

Chronic Inflammation in the Indian Context

Rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyle and dietary shifts in India have contributed to increasing inflammatory-related diseases. Public awareness about preventive measures can significantly reduce healthcare burden.

Early lifestyle changes play a crucial role in improving long-term outcomes.

Conclusion

Chronic inflammation may present subtle symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, digestive issues and brain fog. Although often overlooked, long-term inflammation can increase the risk of serious diseases.

Adopting healthy eating habits, regular exercise, stress management and adequate sleep can help reduce inflammation naturally. Recognizing early warning signs and seeking medical advice when needed ensures better long-term health.

Taking proactive steps today can prevent major complications tomorrow.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research – Chronic Disease Reports
World Health Organization – Non-Communicable Disease Guidelines
National Institute of Nutrition India – Dietary Recommendations
Lancet Global Health – Inflammation Research
Journal of Clinical Medicine – Chronic Inflammation Studies

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