No, You Are Not ‘Safe’ from Ill-Effects of Covid Because You are Young and Healthy

A sickness causing virus by nature is constantly evolving. The Covid-19 when first observed around the world was seen to affect those categorized as elderly and high-risk people much severely. However, over time, there are now several identified variants of the initial virus form, each becoming more devastating and dangerous with every mutation.  

Early on, deaths caused by the Covid19 virus were observed to affect elderly people who were identified to have high-risk diseases such as diabetic patients, cancer patients, those with heart or kidney diseases, and so on. They were also among those who were being affected the most severely, requiring to be admitted at facilities for critical care.  

Over time, shortly before the inoculation of Covid19 vaccines commenced in the Maldives, news of the U.K. Variant of Covid19 hit the headlines. With much urge from authorities to the public to get vaccinated, the health care providers were preparing to face a faster-spreading virus in the times to come. Maldives being heavily reliant on international tourism was also one of the most vulnerable to contract new strands of viruses.  

As per the information shared by Consultant in Respiratory Diseases in IGMH, Dr. Moosa Hussain, surveys showed a change in the age group of those facing more difficult side-effects of Covid19 to slowly increase to include the younger age groups as well. The number of young people being admitted for having to receive ventilator treatments were concerningly increasing in the past months. Severe cases of Pneumonia and decreased levels of oxygen were becoming more common in those who were testing positive for Covid19.  

It is critical to note that having identified the symptoms and treating beforehand allowed to save more lives than we have lost, said Dr. Moosa. However, every new stage is bringing more difficulties and challenges for both health care providers and the public in curbing the virus spread. It is important to ensure that you are vaccinated in order to strengthen your immune system to fight against the virus, and take all necessary precautions in staying safe.  

The total number of positive cases in the Maldives since the onset of the pandemic is closing in on nearly 65,000 cases whilst death tolls have risen to 165 as of 7 a.m. today. It only takes a few scrolls on social media to come across someone we know who has lost a loved one to the virus therefore, it is our responsibility to stay as vigilant as possible and take care of each other in our fight against the virus.