Worldwide COVID-19 spread: Professor A. Sharman advocates for strict quarantine adherence in Almaty citizens
In a chat on the digital platform of Almaty's communication service, the President of the Academy of Preventive Medicine in Kazakhstan, Almaz Sharman, shared insights about the ongoing global second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and called for citizens to adhere to sanitary and epidemiological protocols, as reported by Almaty.tv.
Sharman pointed out that the global response to the pandemic has varied across nations. Some, like New Zealand, Mongolia, South Korea, and Singapore, have successfully managed the current phase of the epidemic. On the other hand, countries such as Italy, Spain, and the United States have faced severe outbreaks, leading to high mortality and morbidity rates.
He emphasized the growing concern of a new issue termed "post-COVID syndrome." This condition afflicts recovering COVID-19 patients with complications like general fatigue, neurological issues, cardiac problems, and persistent symptoms.
Medical professionals worldwide grapple with a myriad of challenges and questions regarding the "post-COVID syndrome." As the fall and winter seasons approach and a possible second wave of the virus looms, Sharman advised people to remain vigilant. Outbreaks persist in several European and Asian countries, a trend that appears to escalate during the colder months.
"Our behavior plays a significant role in minimizing the impact of the second wave of the pandemic," Sharman emphasized. "The severity of the upcoming wave, if it occurs in Kazakhstan, will depend on our actions. We must continue to maintain distance from each other, wear masks, and observe general hygiene practices."
Insights
As of the latest data available, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted changes across the globe. Let's take a look at the current status and preventive measures in some areas mentioned by Sharman.
Current Status in Argentina, Chile, South Africa, and Australia:
- Argentina and Chile: Though specifics on the current wave are not widely reported, these countries are significant contributors to the pandemic in South America.
- South Africa: While detailed information isn't available, the country has responded actively through vaccination programs and public health measures.
- Australia: As a leader in Oceania, Australia has seen a decline in cases and deaths while maintaining rigorous public health measures to guard against outbreaks.
Recommended Preventive Measures:
- Get vaccinated to ensure maximum protection against COVID-19.
- Continue wearing masks in crowded areas or when interacting with infected individuals.
- Maintain social distancing, especially in indoor settings.
- Practice good hygiene by washing hands often, using hand sanitizer, and covering coughs and sneezes.
- Ensure proper ventilation in indoor spaces.
- Stay informed about local health guidelines and updates on the pandemic situation.
These measures are vital for preventing the spread of the virus during the fall and winter seasons when respiratory viruses tend to be more prevalent.
In the context of the ongoing global second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health issues, particularly "post-COVID syndrome," have emerged as a concern for medical professionals worldwide, impacting patients with complications like general fatigue, neurological issues, cardiac problems, and persistent symptoms. To mitigate the impact of this second wave, it is essential to adopt healthy habits such as maintaining distance, wearing masks, and observing good hygiene practices, which can help manage chronic diseases like COVID-19 and other medical conditions that may arise during this time. Adherence to these health-and-wellness practices is crucial to protect our mental health as well, especially when coping with uncertainties surrounding the pandemic.
