Since the Covid-19 pandemic, questions have been continuously raised regarding cases of sudden death among youth. Especially on social media, the belief spread rapidly that the Covid vaccine could be a major reason behind this.
To remove this apprehension and bring out the truth, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) conducted a detailed study on this subject. Pathologist Dr. Sudhir Arawa shared many important information regarding the results of this study while talking to news agency IANS. He clearly said that no solid scientific evidence has been found to hold the Covid vaccine responsible for the sudden deaths among youth.
Dr. Sudhir Arawa said that it is true that in the last few years, cases of sudden death among youth have come to light and this has created concern in the society. For this reason, AIIMS took this subject seriously and started a study. The purpose of this research was to understand whether there has really been an abnormal increase in the number of sudden deaths among youth after Covid or whether it is just a perception. During the study, the available data and facts were analyzed in depth.
He said that the common people feel that the cases of sudden deaths have increased a lot after Covid, but when the data was looked at scientifically, a different picture emerged. According to the data, the percentage rate of sudden death is almost the same as it was in the years before Covid. That is, sudden deaths among youth used to happen earlier also and are happening even now in almost the same proportion. The only difference is that now these matters are being discussed and paid more attention to.
The AIIMS study also revealed that the biggest causes of sudden death among youth are coronary artery disease and heart attack. Heart-related diseases have long been the main cause of sudden death. According to the study data, heart-related problems were found to be the cause of death in most of the cases. This makes it clear that carelessness regarding heart health is becoming a big problem among the youth.
According to Dr. Arawa, there has been a big change in the lifestyle of today’s youth in the last few decades. Factors like irregular routine, stress, lack of physical activity and wrong eating habits are directly affecting health. He told that this problem is multi-factorial, that is, there is not just one reason behind it but many reasons are working together. The information collected in the study was mostly based on ‘verbal autopsy’. In this, information related to the habits, daily routine and health of the deceased is taken from the family members, friends and close people of the deceased. In such a situation, it becomes difficult to give a completely firm opinion on any one reason.
He also said that from the available data it has definitely come to light that smoking and drinking habits among the youth have increased compared to before. In many cases, these habits were found to be more than the documented figures. Both tobacco and alcohol increase the risk of heart diseases manifold. Apart from this, constant stress, lack of sleep and lack of physical activity are also important factors that increase the risk of heart attack.
On the questions being raised regarding the Covid vaccine, Dr. Arawa said in clear words that a thorough investigation was done in the study from this angle also. He said that any possible complication related to the vaccine was not ignored. During the study, the complete medical history of the deceased, clinical examination and possible side effects related to the vaccine were examined. Apart from this, radiological and microscopic examination was also done, so that no evidence was left out.
According to Dr. Arawa, despite such a detailed investigation, no concrete evidence was found to prove that the youth died due to the Covid vaccine. He said that the possibility of some kind of complication cannot be ruled out in very rare, one or two percent cases, but the study did not reveal any significant data from which a direct connection could be made between the vaccine and sudden death.
Dr. Arawa also gave a balanced answer to the question regarding the role of workout, energy drinks and supplements. He said that it is possible that excessive workout, consumption of supplements without advice or excessive use of energy drinks can have negative effects on the body. However, until concrete scientific data is available on this subject, it would not be right to reach any conclusion.
In the end, Dr. Arawa advised the youth to pay attention to their lifestyle instead of relying on rumours. A balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management and abstinence from addiction are the most effective ways to reduce the risk of heart disease and sudden death.