Karnataka reports 1.2k Covid cases since Jan
However, health experts maintain that the current situation does not warrant panic, though precautions remain necessary.
Out of 559 active cases, 552 people are under home isolation. According to Dr Sunil Kumar, epidemiologist and secretary of the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine, the recent cases in Karnataka and other parts of the country are largely due to sublineages of the Omicron variant—specifically JN.1, LF.7, and NF.1.8.1.
"These are not new variants, but descendants of Omicron. They are more transmissible, which explains the steady rise in the numbers," he said.
Despite the increase in cases, the severity remains low. Dr Kumar noted, "Over 95% of patients are recovering at home, with only 3-4% requiring hospitalisation. Very few of those hospitalised need oxygen support. Another factor contributing to the rise is the expansion of testing.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Good News: You May Be Richer Than You Think
FinanceAdvisors.com
Undo
The state resumed screening for ILI (influenza-like illness) and Sari (severe acute respiratory infection), which naturally results in more detected cases.
Covid moved into an endemic phase. Unlike earlier pandemic waves, such periodic surges are expected once or twice a year."
Dr Vinay Hosadurga, a general physician at Vasavi Hospitals, pointed out a shift in symptoms with the current variant. "Earlier, many patients reported loss of smell and taste.
That's no longer common. What we are seeing now in some cases is diarrhoea," he said.
He added, "The monsoon season could further complicate diagnosis due to a simultaneous rise in flu cases. Since both flu and Covid-19 present similar symptoms such as fever and fatigue, patients are advised to avoid self-medication and consult a doctor. There is no cause for alarm, as most cases are mild. But it's still important to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour and seek medical advice if symptoms arise."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Columbia scientists develop world's first prototype ‘Universal Antiviral'
Scientists at Columbia University are developing a universal antiviral. This treatment aims to protect against many viruses, including influenza and COVID-19. The therapy is inspired by a rare genetic mutation. It uses mRNA technology to produce antiviral proteins. Tests on mice and hamsters show reduced viral replication. This offers short-term protection during outbreaks. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Rare disorder reveals hidden defense Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Turning biology into therapy A temporary but powerful shield Challenges ahead A team of Columbia University scientists says it may be closer than ever to creating a universal antiviral , a treatment designed to temporarily shield people against a wide range of viruses, from influenza to experimental therapy, detailed August 13 in Science Translational Medicine , is inspired by a rare genetic mutation that gives a small number of people an extraordinary ability: resistance to nearly all viral infections About 15 years ago, Columbia immunologist Dr. Dusan Bogunovic began studying patients with a rare immune condition known as ISG15 deficiency . Though these individuals were more prone to certain bacterial infections, they seemed to shrug off viral illnesses without ever developing study revealed that the mutation caused a constant, low-level state of immune activation, a kind of background inflammation that was highly effective at blocking viruses. 'The type of inflammation they had was antiviral,' Bogunovic recalled in a Columbia University of reproducing the harmful aspects of ISG15 deficiency, Bogunovic's team identified 10 specific proteins responsible for most of the antiviral protection. They then engineered an mRNA-based therapy, similar in design to COVID-19 vaccines, that prompts cells to briefly produce those through the nose into the lungs of mice and hamsters, the treatment significantly reduced replication of both influenza and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. In cell culture tests, the therapy appeared to resist a wide variety of a vaccine, which builds lasting immunity to a specific pathogen, this treatment provides only short-term protection, estimated at three to four days in animals. Researchers say that could make it particularly valuable at the beginning of outbreaks, giving first responders, health workers, and high-risk populations an immediate layer of defense while vaccines are still in therapy also does not interfere with long-term immunity, meaning patients could still develop protective memory after infection or concept remains in early stages. Researchers say improving the delivery system, ensuring enough of the proteins are produced in the right tissues, is the biggest hurdle before moving into human trials. More work is also needed to determine how long protection lasts and how safe repeated dosing might experts say the findings are promising. By activating the body's own antiviral machinery, the therapy could offer a virus-agnostic defense that works even when the identity of a new pathogen is unknown.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Critical care centre project at Madikeri dist hosp resumes after delay
Madikeri: The delayed project of establishing a critical care centre at Madikeri District Hospital has picked up pace. The Rs 29.6 crore project is expected to be completed by the end of the year and will extend emergency medical care services to the residents. In 2022-23, a critical care centre project was sanctioned for the district hospital in Madikeri. The centre was to be built on 45 cents within the hospital premises, with the project promising completion by this year. However, the project encountered a hurdle from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). According to archaeological guidelines, no construction work is permitted within 300 metres of protected monuments, and in this case, Madikeri Fort is located within 250 metres of the construction site. Consequently, the construction work was stopped abruptly due to this violation. Nevertheless, a non-objection certificate (NOC) has now been obtained from Delhi, and work has resumed. The critical care centre will have improved facilities to address emergency medical services. Alongside a 50-bed capacity building, the centre will have 10 ICU beds, six advanced intensive care units, 25 isolation beds, two dialysis units, two operation theatres, and a laboratory. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "Due to technical issues, the project of the critical care centre was stopped abruptly. Nevertheless, the work has resumed now. A proposal to the state for Rs 6.5 crore funds has been forwarded for the purchase of equipment for the centre," confirmed Dr Lokesh, dean of Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KoIMS). 100 vacancies at centre While the district hospital is being equipped with modern amenities, the acute staff shortage, with over 100 vacancies at the centre, is still hindering proper medical care for the citizens. However, Dr Lokesh confirmed that 19 doctors have been appointed on a temporary basis to address the shortage. "Priority will be given to attend to emergencies immediately. Further, the critical care centre will have ultrasound, ECO, dialysis, and other services readily available to the patients," he added. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Couple gets 2nd chance at having baby as HC gives IVF nod to overage husband
1 2 Kolkata: A couple from Narendrapur received a second chance at having a child through IVF after the Calcutta High Court on Monday allowed the man, now 59 years old, through the process despite him overshooting the age criteria by four years. Justice Amrita Sinha directed an IVF clinic to permit the couple to undergo the procedures for IVF. The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) 2021, implemented in 2022, states the service is available to women above 21 years and below 50 and to men above 21 and below 55. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata | Gold Rates Today in Kolkata | Silver Rates Today in Kolkata The Narendrapur couple married in 2017. After their failed attempts at having a baby, doctors recommended IVF. The couple approached an IVF clinic in 2019, when the man was aged 53, well within the age limit. But their procedure was halted abruptly in March 2020 as the Covid struck. After the pandemic ended, the couple again visited the IVF centre in 2023. Doctors found that though the woman, 45 at that time, was within the age limit, the husband had reached 57. Turned away, the couple approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking permission to go for IVF. The HC had recently granted permission for IVF to several couples, among whom one of the spouses had slightly overshot the age limit. The Narendrapur couple's counsel, Debangan Bhattacharjee, relied on a judgment by Justice Sinha in a case, in which the husband had also crossed the age bar. In that case, the childless couple, married for 30 years, desired to go in for IVF, but the husband was 58 years old. In that case, Justice Sinha had observed that it would be "sheer injustice" to the woman if she was not allowed to avail of ARTS as her husband was ineligible. "For the ineligibility of the man, the wife ought not suffer," Justice Sinha had observed. Pointing out that the law was enforced in 2022, the Narendrapur couple, in their petition, had raised a question on "what happened to people who had started the fertility procedure before the Act came into being, and suddenly found themselves disqualified during the course of their treatment after the Act was enforced". Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
