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 Recurring Sore Throat Can Be a Serious Issue

A sore throat is a common complaint. Most of us experience it during seasonal changes, after a cold, or when we catch the flu. But what if your sore throat keeps coming back again and again? While many people dismiss it as a minor irritation, a recurring sore throat can actually signal more serious health issues that require proper attention.

What is a recurring sore throat?

A recurring sore throat refers to repeated or persistent throat discomfort that comes back multiple times in a year or lasts longer than usual. Normally, a viral sore throat improves within a week. If the problem lingers beyond 10 days or returns frequently, it falls into the category of chronic or recurring sore throat.

Why is it serious?

Undiagnosed infections
A single sore throat from a virus is not concerning. But if bacterial infections like strep throat keep coming back, they may damage the throat and spread to other parts of the body if untreated.
Inflammation and tissue damage
Constant irritation from allergies or acid reflux can harm the delicate tissues of the throat. Over time, this may affect your voice and overall throat function.
Underlying medical conditions
Recurring sore throat can be linked to issues like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), allergies, tonsil problems, or immune system weakness. In some cases, it may also be an early warning sign of more serious diseases such as tumors.
Complications
Recurrent infections can lead to abscesses around the tonsils, ear infections, or sinus problems. Inadequate or repeated antibiotic use can also cause resistance.
Impact on daily life
A constant sore throat affects your eating, speaking, sleeping, and quality of life. It leads to repeated doctor visits, discomfort, and stress.

Common causes of recurring sore throat

Bacterial infections like strep throat or chronic tonsillitis
Viral infections that linger or reactivate
Allergies that trigger postnasal drip and throat irritation
Acid reflux or GERD causing stomach acid to irritate the throat
Environmental irritants such as smoke, dust, and pollution
Mouth breathing during sleep due to nasal blockage
Immune weakness making you prone to repeated infections

Warning signs to watch for

You should never ignore these symptoms if they accompany a recurring sore throat:

Sore throat lasting longer than 2–3 weeks
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Lump or swelling in the throat or neck
Persistent hoarseness or voice changes
Unexplained weight loss
Blood in saliva or phlegm
Fever with night sweats

These are red flags that need immediate medical evaluation.

How lab tests help

Lab tests play a critical role in finding out why you have a recurring sore throat. Some useful investigations include:

Throat swab or culture to identify bacterial infections
Rapid antigen test for strep for quick diagnosis
Complete Blood Count (CBC) to detect infection or immune problems
CRP and ESR to check inflammation
Allergy tests to identify triggers like dust or pollen
Thyroid function tests to rule out thyroid-related throat problems
Reflux evaluation if GERD is suspected
Immune status tests if infections are unusually frequent

Through SecondMedic/Thyrocare, these tests can be arranged easily, giving you faster results and treatment planning.

Treatment and prevention

The treatment of recurring sore throat depends on its cause:

Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Completing the full course is essential.
Viral infections usually require rest, hydration, and symptom management.
Acid reflux can be controlled with lifestyle changes like avoiding late meals, reducing spicy foods, and medications if required.
Allergies can be managed by identifying and avoiding triggers, along with prescribed medicines.
Tonsil problems may require surgical removal if infections are frequent and severe.

Preventive steps include:

Staying hydrated
Avoiding smoking and exposure to polluted air
Maintaining good throat hygiene
Managing acid reflux through diet and posture
Strengthening immunity with balanced nutrition and rest

When to see a doctor

If you suffer from frequent sore throats or if your symptoms come with any red flags, consult a healthcare professional without delay. Early evaluation prevents complications and ensures better outcomes.

Conclusion

Recurring sore throat is more than just an inconvenience. It is often a signal from your body that something is not right. Identifying the cause early and undergoing the right tests can help you recover faster and avoid long-term damage.

At SecondMedic, you can access lab tests, doctor consultations, and treatment guidance all in one place. Don’t ignore a sore throat that keeps returning — take charge of your health today and book your tests with SecondMedic/Thyrocare for accurate results and expert support.

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