A third or fourth wave is natural for new viruses, says professor R M Pitchappan, a pioneer in human immunogenetics, but preparation for them is key. In an interview with Padmini Sivarajah, the visiting professor at Madurai Kamaraj University dispels fears about the vaccine and mutations.

A third or fourth wave is natural for new viruses, says professor R M Pitchappan, a pioneer in human immunogenetics, but preparation for them is key. In an interview with Padmini Sivarajah, the visiting professor at Madurai Kamaraj University dispels fears about the vaccine and mutations.

12.05.2021 

The principal scientific adviser to the Government of India has warned of a third wave. What is your opinion?

Yes, it is possible that there may be a third wave. In any new viral or vectorborne disease it is always seasonal and episodic, it takes a few cycles for the infection to die out. We cannot wait for herd immunity and all precautions have to be taken. We must also keep in mind that the pandemic will die down like the spread of hepatitis 20 years ago.

It is feared that the third wave will affect children. Can it be overcome?

There is no evidence yet that the third wave will affect children alone. Children, except newborns till a few months, have a robust immune response capable of responding to most infections. There is no need to panic it can be overcome with care and vaccination. Children might require a low volume of vaccine due to their size and immune system. Pharma industries should think of systematically procuring and marketing it, but it is a laborious process. Passive therapy from convalescent plasma is another option.

Can the present Indian vaccines be administered to children?

Theoretically the same vaccine should work in children, maybe with some dosage adjustments, but adverse reaction trials have to be done before implementing it. The government agencies should give the nod for trials and make the vaccine available for children. In a country where polio has been eradicated, it is possible to tackle Covid. Proper planning to vaccinate children and opening schools need to be made. The immune system of children may be less experienced, but it is not less competent than that of an adult.

There is a shortage of antiviral drugs. There are also conflicting reports on the usefulness of these drugs.

A recent literature shows none of the drugs used as on date including these antivirals provide 100% efficacy in saving a life. The Indian vaccine manufacturers have scaled up their production. Yesterday, DCGI approved anti-Covid drug, 2-deoxy-D-glucose developed by DRDO for emergency use in moderate to severe Covid patients as an adjunct therapy. The new drug reduces oxygen dependence and faster recovery.

What about alternate medicines?

Researchers from Germany and India have identified Thymoquinone from Nigella Sativa (“Karunseeragam” in Tamil) having antiviral properties. It is also antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory. The drug can be synthesised in the laboratory. India with its vast scientific community and pharma should aim at such innovative, native medicines. This can become an affordable alternative, preventive and therapeutic like the siddha ‘kabasura kuidineer’ being attempted in various parts of the country.

People contracting Covid-19 after both doses is raising concern.

The severity is less in people who contract the disease after vaccination. But if they succumb to the disease then these cases should be studied for demographic profile, medical history, nutritional status and co-morbidities. Linking the cases and data to the Aadhaar number, proper follow-up and introspection will help in policy making.

With the virus mutating fast, will these vaccines help?

Antibodies generated due to vaccines may neutralise the virus to some extent if they have not mutated further in the host. The immune system also has other antibodies such as cytotoxic lympohocytes that tackle infection and help in long term immunity.