ISSN: 2642-6250
Authors: Vinod Nikhra*
THE COVID-19 ICEBERG: Being highly infectious disease, COVID-19 can spread exponentially but most of those infected remain asymptomatic or develop mild symptoms, thus may remain undetected. In fact, the majority of COVID-19 iceberg is made up of the dormant undetected cases forming the submerged part of the iceberg. The undetected cases of COVID-19 infection can be quantified through serological tests for presence of antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 in a given population which form the basis of sero-surveys to provide crucial data. Age Groups and Perceived Covid-19 Threat: The millennials or Gen Y (women more than men) appear to be more fearful compared to other age-groups for contracting the infection. Whereas, the older generations (Gen X and older, Gen Alpha), are the most vulnerable but less afraid of the virus and the disease than millennials. Across the Generations, those belonging to the Gen Z are found to have least fear and low susceptibility. Fear and Other Reactions to Covid-19: Though case-counts and fatalities are been relatively higher in Europe and the US, as compared to most Asian countries, fear to the viral infection by residents of Asian countries including India was on higher side. Most of the respondents to global survey have been found to be fearful of contracting the infection. Apart from this, fears about the availability of essentials and access to various amenities afflict the susceptible populations. The key concerns by the healthcare professionals involve prevention from exposure to the infection, the adequate protection, and their personal and social support. Conclusion: Protecting Communities: The aphorism, prevention is better than the cure, fits the COVID-19, as presently there are no specific treatment modalities available. The fear may be the key to prevent the disease by using barriers like face masks and to practice social distancing. The lockdown measures enforced by various governments in countries around world work on basis of curtailing infection by distancing, isolation, quarantine measures. With the swift of growth of critically ill COVID-19 patients, it requires utilizing all clinicians within a medical center to significantly improve the critical care capacity. As the elective surgery and alike activities are cancelled or postponed, the hospitals become focused facilities for COVID-19 with all the medical and paramedical staff working for the cause.
Keywords: COVID-19 Dormant Cases; COVID-19 Iceberg, COVID-19 Susceptibility; Covid Chinese Experience; Fear and Reaction to COVID-19; Generation Z; Herd Immunity; New York Covid Experience; Serological Tests; Sero-Surveys
