December : A month where COVID-19 Pandemic seems relentless.

The crisis seems to be growing this month. California sees an unpreceded rise in COVID cases. It looks almost unreal that ICU capacity is at less than 5% in many counties. I see this public health crisis taking the worst possible turn this month and also next month. Mental health issues also seem to be on rise. The usual tradition of Christmas and other Holiday celebration is nonexistent for most families. This is probably the most challenging time for my older patients who will be missing their Children and Grand Children this year as for some of them; this is the only opportunity for them to see their extended family. They already have extended isolation this year and the holiday season remains disappointing for them in the current pandemic.

I however, want to say that there is hope. The next year will bring new light, perspectives, and we will overcome this public health crisis. The vaccine is a tremendous hope for all of us. I salute the scientific community to develop and conduct comprehensive clinical trials. Both Pfizer and Moderna are the first to get Emergency Use Authorization. Pfizer recruited 45,000 + patients thus far, and Moderna has about 30,000 enrolled. The efficacy data of 90-95% are useful. I also do not understand the current hype around allergic reactions. This is common with all vaccines/Drugs, and we have seen it many times over the years. The allergic reactions are treatable, and it is rare to see fatality. I am eagerly waiting to have vaccine for myself and our team at Siyan. There is no clarity when it will be available to us who are in the private practice setting and not affiliated with hospital work.

I encourage everyone to get vaccine. They are safe, prevent severe cases of COVID, and do not cost ! COVID still has 1-2% mortality, and its long term sequel, like any other viral illness, is painful.

Leadership at all the level need to do a lot more at many fronts to create public awareness as at this stage, only 50% population is aware and accepting the vaccine. I am committed to doing my bit for this cause. This pandemic has cost us a lot, but I am confident we will succeed and achieve the necessary " Herd Immunity." Hopefully, mental health issues will improve in 2021 once COVID 19 pandemic is controlled and we return to normalcy.