Efficacy of Primary Prevention in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 treatment protocol has consistently been under modification since its inception, from the omission of drugs once considered lifesavers such as hydroxychloroquine to the addition of newer medications e.g.: remdesivir. In such situations, it is crucial that we reinforce the importance of primary prevention, especially in low-income countries, where issues exist of shortage of resources such as oxygen and ventilators. We demonstrate how primary prevention holds good against the emergence of new variants, and future pandemics.

Discussion: Articles predating and postdating the COVID-19 pandemic were analysed. The articles predating the pandemic included those relating to primary preventive methods used during the H1N1 pandemic of 2009, and articles postdating the pandemic included studies which demonstrate higher mortality of COVID-19 in smokers shed light on the importance of primary prevention, and demonstrate how primary prevention and good health education could have saved countless lives.

Conclusion: It is essential that Primary prevention be employed, not only in the case of chronic lifestyle conditions such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus but also in the cases of pandemics, where prevention before the chain of infection starts can prove to be lifesaving. As healthcare providers, the responsibility lies with us to emphasize on the importance of primary prevention and comprehensively propagate information.