Flu-like symptoms reported as Delhi sees rise in Covid cases
NEW DELHI: The national capital witnessed a significant surge in Covid-19 cases, with 104 infections currently reported, showing an increase of 99 cases since May 19. Delhi also has 24 patients recovering during this time.
Chief minister Rekha Gupta acknowledged govt's recognition of Covid cases. She confirmed that medical facilities were adequately prepared for any eventuality. The administration has issued the required guidelines. She said the situation remained controlled and requested calmness.
Health minister Pankaj Kumar Singh confirmed that the patients who had been examined had typical cold and cough, suggesting no reason for concern.
He said the present variant posed no significant risk, and people should maintain composure.
Dr Nikhil Modi, senior consultant for respiratory and critical care, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said most infections showed mild symptoms - low-grade fever and cough. Experts noted the virus's progression towards an endemic condition, similar to influenza. Despite current stability, health officials recommend vigilance and adherence to preventive measures to limit spread.
Dr Romel Tickoo, director of internal medicine at Max Hospital, Saket, emphasised that people with comorbidities, cancer, diabetes and compromised immune systems must be cautious. These vulnerable groups should consistently wear masks in crowded areas and healthcare facilities. Additionally, people experiencing fever, cough, cold or flu-like symptoms should maintain isolation for a week.
While there is no evidence suggesting heightened virulence or increased complications, the strain's immune evasion properties due to mutations mean that vaccination may not prevent infection entirely.
However, the population maintains protection through previous infections or vaccinations. Despite the possibility of infection from new strains, the evidence suggests mild outcomes. "Most patients recover within 5 to 7 days through outpatient treatment," he said.
Talking about the transmissibility and severity of new subvariants of the LF.7 and NB.1.8.1 variants, Dr Piyush Ranjan, professor in the department of medicine at AIIMS, said: "Both sublineages of the JN.1 variant exhibit enhanced transmissibility compared to earlier Omicron strains.... Evidence suggests the subvariants do not cause more severe disease than other Omicron subvariants."
Dr Neeraj Nischal from AIIMS's medicine department said misinformation and anxiety are greater risks than Covid. He cautioned against unverified details.
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