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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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why fatigue should not be ignored

Feeling tired occasionally is a normal response to physical exertion, lack of sleep or emotional stress. However, when fatigue becomes persistent, overwhelming or unexplained, it should not be dismissed. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms reported in healthcare, yet it is also one of the most frequently ignored.

Understanding why fatigue should not be ignored is essential because it often acts as an early warning sign of deeper physical or mental health issues.

What Is Fatigue?

Fatigue is a state of ongoing physical, mental or emotional exhaustion that:

lasts longer than expected
interferes with daily activities
does not improve with rest or sleep

Unlike ordinary tiredness, fatigue affects motivation, concentration and overall functioning.

Why Fatigue Is Commonly Ignored

Fatigue is often dismissed because:

busy lifestyles normalise exhaustion
symptoms develop gradually
people attribute fatigue to stress or ageing
rest temporarily masks the issue

Ignoring fatigue allows underlying conditions to progress unnoticed.

Common Medical Causes of Persistent Fatigue

Nutritional Deficiencies

Deficiencies in:

iron
vitamin B12
vitamin D
magnesium

can significantly reduce energy levels and cause weakness.

Anaemia

Anaemia reduces oxygen delivery to tissues, leading to:

constant tiredness
breathlessness
dizziness

It is one of the most common yet underdiagnosed causes of fatigue.

Thyroid Disorders

Both underactive and overactive thyroid conditions affect metabolism.

Symptoms include:

fatigue
weight changes
cold or heat intolerance

Thyroid-related fatigue often persists despite rest.

Chronic Infections

Low-grade or unresolved infections keep the immune system activated, causing prolonged fatigue.

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormones regulate energy, sleep and metabolism.

Imbalance may lead to:

exhaustion
poor sleep
low motivation

Poor Sleep Quality

Even with sufficient sleep duration, poor sleep quality can cause fatigue due to:

sleep apnea
frequent awakenings
stress-related insomnia

Mental Health Conditions

Anxiety, depression and chronic stress commonly present with fatigue as a primary symptom.

Mental fatigue is as real and impactful as physical fatigue.

Lifestyle Factors That Worsen Fatigue

Certain habits intensify tiredness:

irregular meals
excessive caffeine
dehydration
lack of physical activity
prolonged screen use

Lifestyle-related fatigue often coexists with medical causes.

How Fatigue Affects Daily Life

Persistent fatigue impacts:

work performance
concentration and memory
emotional regulation
physical activity
social relationships

Over time, quality of life declines significantly.

Warning Signs That Fatigue Needs Medical Attention

Seek evaluation if fatigue:

lasts more than two weeks
worsens progressively
occurs with weight loss or fever
is associated with breathlessness
interferes with daily tasks

These signs suggest an underlying issue.

Why Early Evaluation Matters

Early identification of fatigue causes:

prevents disease progression
simplifies treatment
improves recovery time
restores normal energy levels

Delayed care often leads to chronic complications.

Diagnostic Evaluation for Fatigue

Assessment may include:

detailed history
blood tests
nutritional screening
hormonal evaluation
sleep assessment

Testing helps identify root causes rather than treating symptoms alone.

Can Fatigue Be Prevented?

Some preventive measures include:

balanced nutrition
adequate hydration
regular physical activity
consistent sleep routine
stress management

However, prevention does not replace evaluation when fatigue persists.

Fatigue and Chronic Disease Risk

Long-term fatigue may be linked to:

cardiovascular disease
metabolic disorders
immune dysfunction

This makes fatigue an important early health signal.

When Rest Is Not Enough

If energy does not return after:

adequate sleep
reduced workload
lifestyle changes

medical evaluation is essential.

The Cost of Ignoring Fatigue

Ignoring fatigue can lead to:

delayed diagnosis
worsening health conditions
reduced productivity
emotional burnout

Listening to the body early prevents long-term consequences.

Conclusion

Fatigue is not merely a sign of a busy life—it is often the body’s way of signalling imbalance or illness. Persistent tiredness that does not improve with rest should never be ignored. Whether caused by nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, chronic stress or underlying disease, fatigue deserves attention. Early evaluation and timely care can restore energy, prevent complications and significantly improve quality of life. Listening to fatigue is an act of self-care and preventive health.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Fatigue and Lifestyle Health Report
World Health Organization (WHO) – Chronic Fatigue and Health Guidelines
National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) – Nutrient Deficiency and Energy Research
Lancet – Fatigue as a Marker of Chronic Disease Studie
Indian Journal of Medicine – Persistent Fatigue and Diagnosis
Statista – Fatigue, Stress and Health Trend Analysis

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