City doctors blame ‘long Covid' for severe viral infections that have laid Kolkata low
2
Kolkata: The pandemic may have ended three years ago but it continues to cast its shadow on the city's healthscape.
A past history of 'long or severe' Covid may have led to long-term weakening of respiratory and immune functions, making thousands in the city more vulnerable to recurrent infections, say doctors.
Additionally, rapid weather fluctuations, sudden shifts from high humidity to rain, followed by intense heat combined with elevated levels of air pollution are further weakening the body's natural defences, leading to more frequent and severe infections, they say.
Most private hospitals are now running at 90% occupancy with a majority of the patients suffering from Influenza A and other viral infections.
You Can Also Check:
Kolkata AQI
|
Weather in Kolkata
|
Bank Holidays in Kolkata
|
Public Holidays in Kolkata
At Woodlands Hospital, around 75% of patients currently being treated for influenza and pneumonia are Covid survivors.
"Particularly those who experienced moderate to severe illness have suffered lasting architectural and functional damage in the lungs. When individuals from this group, especially the elderly, come down with flu or pneumonia, their disease tends to be more severe. The risk is further compounded if they have underlying conditions like asthma, COPD, diabetes or a history of smoking," said Dipnarayan Mukherjee, microbiology consultant at the hospital.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
New Container Houses In Chom Thong
Container House | Search Ads
Search Now
Undo
According to Rajdip Sen, consultant physician at BP Poddar Hospital, post-Covid pulmonary complications are making individuals vulnerable to lower respiratory tract infections. "About 30% of influenza and pneumonia patients here have Covid history. In many of these cases, we are observing increased disease severity, particularly among those who had moderate to severe Covid," he said.
Immune dysregulation following Covid may compromise the body's ability to mount an effective defence against common respiratory pathogens, Sen said and added that these patients "often present with a more aggressive clinical course, prolonged hypoxia and delayed recovery, necessitating closer monitoring and in some cases, extended hospitalisation."
Charnock Hospital internal medicine consultant Jayanta Dutta said they, too, are receiving a "significant" number of patients with a history of severe Covid, many of them elderly. "It's possible that the elderly have some residual damage like fibrosis that makes them vulnerable to infections now. We have also seen growth in lung diseases like asthma, upper respiratory tract infections and COPD among those who had long Covid.
This group remains prone to pneumonia and secondary bacterial infections due to lower immunity," he added.
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria has received more than hundred patients with respiratory tract infection over the past 10 days. "Long Covid has left some with lung fibrosis which may have flared up now. Lower resistance induced by Covid and comorbidities could also be a reason in the case of elderly patients. But most severe Covid patients have no trace of lung damage or else this outbreak would have been far worse," said Manipal infectious diseases physician Sayan Chakrabarty.
MS Purkait, medical superintendent, Techno India DAMA Hospital said, "If those with prior history of Covid, especially the elderly, develop influenza or pneumonia within a year of Covid, the symptoms are more serious and may require hospitalization. Sometimes, the infections may co-occur, making the treatment complex and prolonged. We are seeing many such cases now."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
Stay strong this monsoon: Why adults need a yearly shot too!
This summer, the month of May brought a surprise downpour—India saw its heaviest rainfall since 1901. Monsoon weather can be a real rollercoaster, one moment it's overcast with cloudy skies and cool breezes, and the next, the sun is blazing. These sudden shifts in temperature, along with rising humidity, can take a toll on your immune system, making it easier for seasonal bugs like the flu to spread. Tropical countries like India experience a high frequency of flu (or influenza) cases during this time. Flu viruses like A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and Influenza B don't take a break—they circulate all year long. That's why getting your annual flu shot is one of the best ways to stay protected, no matter the season. According to Dr Agam Vora, General Secretary for the Association of Physicians of India, Medical Director, Vora Clinic, Mumbai, 'A lot of people mix up the flu with a regular cold—but the flu is much more serious. While both can cause symptoms like a sore throat or cough, the flu often comes with a high fever, body aches, headaches and nausea4. Spotting these symptoms early can help you recover faster and avoid complications. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Were So Beautiful Before; Now Look At Them; Number 10 Will Shock You Reportingly Undo And since flu viruses keep changing every year, the vaccine is updated regularly—so getting your flu shot annually is the best way to stay protected. ' To protect against the flu this monsoon, here are 3 steps you can take: 1. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer when you're on the go. Try not to touch your face—especially your eyes, nose, or mouth—and don't forget to clean things you touch a lot, like your phone or doorknobs 2. Try to keep your distance from anyone who's feeling under the weather. Let fresh air in by opening windows when you can, and don't forget to wear a mask in crowded places 3. Make sure you and your family follow all the steps to be protected—keep up with your child's vaccination schedule along with your own and any adults living in your household. Since flu viruses keep changing, the vaccine is updated every year based on the latest strains identified by the World Health Organization (WHO). That's why getting vaccinated every year is so important Dr Jejoe Karankumar, Medical Affairs Director, Abbott India said, 'Vaccines aren't just for kids—adults need protection too, especially from infections like the flu. Getting a flu shot every year doesn't just lower your chances of getting sick, it also helps reduce the severity of symptoms if you do catch it. It's a simple step in preventive care that can make a big difference, especially for elderly or people with comorbidities.' Even if you're healthy, the flu can still slow you down—with missed work, doctor visits, and sudden health expenses. That's why the World Health Organization recommends getting a flu shot every year. It works well for all age groups—including pregnant women and people with health conditions—and helps protect you from serious illness. While we can't control the weather, we can take charge of our health. An annual flu shot is a simple, science-backed step that protects not just you, but those around you—especially the elderly, young children, and people with chronic conditions. So this monsoon, don't wait for symptoms to strike. Talk to your doctor about getting your flu vaccine. Because staying healthy isn't just about reacting to illness—it's about preventing it.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Lalbagh stray dogs to get calming shots ahead of I-Day flower show
Bengaluru: In response to recent dog bite incidents inside Lalbagh, the horticulture department has initiated measures to control the stray canines in the botanical garden. With the popular Independence Day flower show set to begin Thursday, officials have started administering anti-aggression injections to the dogs found on the premises. In addition, all stray dogs in the garden are being vaccinated against rabies. The horticulture department's technical committee, led by environmentalist AN Yellappa Reddy, recently raised concerns over stray dogs in Lalbagh following an attack on a morning walker. Senior officials told TOI that there are about 175-200 stray dogs inside Lalbagh. "They are fed only once during the night, and during the day, they sneak out in search of food. While not all stray dogs are problematic, about 20-25% of them have been identified as aggressive," explained a senior horticulture official. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru The technical committee, along with BBMP's health and veterinary officials, resolved to put in place five-point measures to manage the stray population and put an end to the biting incidents on its premises. "We decided to identify aggressive stray dogs inside the garden and administer them with anti-aggression injections with the help of veterinarians during the flower show to calm down their aggressive behaviour," explained M Jagadish, joint director of horticulture (parks and gardens). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Besides, the committee was briefed by the veterinarians that all rabies vaccines have a time limit for their effectiveness. "Every time we vaccinate strays, the effectiveness lasts only for three years. Hence, we decided to vaccinate all of them ahead of the flower show. The veterinarians also recommended sterilisation of all male dogs. Further, a public awareness campaign will also be held to educate walkers, joggers, and visitors on stray behaviour, including enforcing a ban on their feeding of the canines inside Lalbagh," Jagadish revealed. The department has planned to install billboards in various parts of Lalbagh, highlighting dos and don'ts for visitors on their interaction with the stray population. "Some of the suggestions include not teasing or disturbing the strays, and a complete ban on feeding them other than during permitted feeding hours. This will also be communicated to the visitors and discussed with the walkers and joggers' groups," another official explained. However, independent veterinarians are sceptical about the decision of the horticulture department, especially about administering anti-aggression injections. Dr Sumanth M Bedre, a veterinarian from Mysuru, said there is no drug known as anti-aggressive. "The aggression manifests out of multiple factors, including hormonal imbalance. The best method to control the aggressive strays is to sterilise them. It all depends on what type of drug they want to administer, as most of these drugs act as sedatives. The aggression of dogs is part of their behaviour, and experts in dog behaviour can work on it and suggest suitable interventions," he expressed. -By Miya Kennedy
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
GMCH-32 MBBS counselling delay sparks anxiety among students, parents
1 2 Chandigarh: The delay in the MBBS admission process at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, is causing significant distress for students and their parents. With the All India counselling for medical seats progressing simultaneously, families are facing a difficult choice: wait for GMCH's delayed process or secure a seat in a private college with a hefty fee. A group of concerned parents recently met with the UT health secretary to voice their concerns on Wednesday. The official reportedly assured them that the counselling would commence soon but did not provide a specific date. Parents of aspiring medical students have expressed deep concern, stating that the delay is a major worry. They explained that because the All India counselling is already underway, they must decide where to enrol their children. The initial counselling for the 150 MBBS seats at GMCH, which was scheduled to begin on August 5, was postponed. This uncertainty is creating a critical problem for students. One parent highlighted the difficult situation, explaining that if the state counselling at GMCH starts after the All India process, his son might have to pay a substantial fee and submit original certificates to a private college in Southern India. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Own an Iconic Landmark in Pokhran Rd, Thane Raymond Realty Learn More Undo "If the GMCH counselling were to start later, I would then have to apply to get the original certificates back from the private college, a process that could take a long time, potentially resulting in missing the state counselling," said a parent. He also pointed out the risk of losing lakhs of rupees in fees already deposited if they have to withdraw from the private college to join GMCH. The parents are also questioning the administrative process, noting a perceived disparity. They pointed out that while the application and discrepancy removal process for General and SC students was already concluded, there was a delay in calling for applications from OBC candidates. According to a recent Supreme Court's order, GMCH must secure a 3% OBC quota for MBBS seats. Though it is still not certain if extra seats will be created or the same shall be carved out of the existing general seats.
