Precaution is the Best Cure

On World Health Day, we usually wish one another better health and fitness, but this year, things have gone too unplanned. With the Covid-19 outbreak, healthcare facilities all across the world are reeling under an unprecedented, once-in-a-century kind of challenge. The world is going through tough times, though it’s best to hold on to optimism, as every cloud has a silver lining, and this too shall pass.
 

World Health Day was an occasion for us to dwell on the health of all on the planet, big or small, man or animal, birds, bees, and wildlife. Covid-19 has shown us how we are all helpless under the impact of its sudden and terrifying spread. The world has been forced shut to a grinding halt. Even the most advanced health infrastructures have shown signs of collapse. The invisible virus has challenged us all in a big way, impacting us all at all levels—health, social, economic and psychological. Where did we go wrong? How did the medical advancements and preparation fail us? What lies ahead? These are questions playing on the minds of all. It is important to understand that we need to take care of ourselves, not only in the bad times, but in the good days as well.

 

Stressing the importance of basic hygiene, Dr P Shanmaya Raja, Resident Veterinary Officer, Poonawalla Stud Farms, says: “It is simple, just take care of the basics. Even if you do some additional things, it won't help until and unless you take care of the basics—like hygiene, hand washing and so on.”

 

 

 

 

Dr Aakash Singhal, PG resident, GTB Hospital, Delhi, agrees: “Maintaining personal hygiene and washing hands regularly is the best way to deal with the neo coronavirus outbreak.” Simply put, this is one of the most basic lessons we all are taught as kids. Dr Singhal adds: “With basic hygiene, it is also important to eat well and stay fit by following an exercise routine.”

 

 

 

Boosting immunity is going to be the key factor in fighting Covid-19. We need to look into not just our physical but also our mental health. Frequent closing of borders, lockdowns, cancellations, isolations, dreary pictures of ICUs and deaths, the staggering economy—all these paint a gloomy picture, and it’s important to keep chin up. Dr Singhal says: “Let’s look at the positive side. We can see families have finally gotten together indoors, with more time for one another. It is not always you get such an opportunity. So, since you are in it, just enjoy that. This could be a great mental support during the crisis.”

 

 

All this also brings us closer to the larger picture of health for all on the planet. On the occasion of World Health Day, we wished that the health care system and the people in power understand how important the health of all living beings is. Dr Makarand Chand, a veterinary expert, told La Polo: “We must understand that the health of animals is as important as that of humans. To maintain a balanced biological cycle, this is a corrective step that we must take care of now and forever.”

 

 

Talking of the threat to equine life, Dr Hasneyn Mirza, a well-known equine vet, said: “In the late 2000s, some areas in the world were hit by Influenza (horse flu), though it was not a pandemic. The Influenza outbreak was limited to the place of its origin. The Australian Influenza remained and affected the horses in Australia only and the same was for the condition of Influenza in India. It never spread across to other nations, as the Covid-19 outbreak has done.”

 

 

With such advanced technological and scientific systems in place, it is still unreal to believe how the virus has come to rule over the world and bring mankind down to a stupendous crisis.

 

 

Dr Raja says: “This too shall pass, but this pandemic is an eye-opener for the world. Everyone now knows about the neo coronavirus, and how it behaves. This awareness is important. The next time there is such a situation people will remember to stick to the basics. Once that is done, there are lesser chances of a pandemic.”

 

 

Sharing his views, Dr Mirza says: “This is a wake-up call for everybody and we need to be well-equipped to stop things before they go beyond reach. Proper facilities and rooms must be kept ready with the appropriate guidelines and skilled staff.” Dr Makarand points out: “In winter, there are chances the virus might make yet another comeback. So now is the time to take preventive measures. We need to be well-prepared beforehand for such an emergency."

 

 

A stitch in time saves nine. Precaution is the best cure. Stay alert, stay safe and healthy.