Latest news with #PreetiKabra
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Covid-19 is back but these 5 simple habits can still keep you safe
Experts now describe SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes Covid-19) as having moved into a cyclical pattern, much like the seasonal flu. This means flare-ups can happen due to the latest Omicron sub-variants including JN.1, NB.1.8.1, LF.7 and XFC, which are currently making the rounds. In India, topping the chart once again is Kerala, with 2,053 active cases and 96 new ones added within 24 hours. It is followed by Gujarat, West Bengal and Delhi, the latter of which logged 37 fresh cases, though its total caseload dipped slightly from 728 to 691. However, there is a silver lining: 783 individuals have recovered or been discharged, reflecting the generally mild nature of the current infections. The new iterations of the coronavirus have shown higher transmissibility but are mostly triggering mild, flu-like symptoms. While these strains are not yet listed as 'variants of concern' by the World Health Organization, they are on the 'Variants Under Monitoring' list, essentially a digital yellow flag urging caution. According to health, we are better equipped, both mentally and medically, to manage them. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Preeti Kabra, Senior Chief of Lab at Neuberg Diagnostics, shared that even in a post-pandemic world, a few sensible precautions can still go a long way. She advised - 1. Wear a mask in crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces, especially during travel or flu season. 2. Wash hands frequently and avoid touching your face. 3. If you're unwell, stay home and isolate to avoid spreading it to others. 4. Encourage routine testing if symptoms persist, even if mild. 5. Stay up to date on Covid-19 boosters, especially if you're in a vulnerable group. For those with compromised immunity, prophylactic medications may still be considered under medical guidance. Dr Preeti Kabra concluded, 'Covid-19 may no longer dominate headlines but it remains part of our health landscape. The good news is that we have the tools, knowledge and experience to manage it effectively. What matters now is vigilance, not panic; awareness, not complacency. If you're in doubt test, mask up, and talk to your doctor.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
New Covid-19 clusters in urban India raise alarms: Doctor reveals 7 categories of people at higher coronavirus risk
While the masks may be off and travel plans thriving amid summer break, Covid-19 is quietly reminding us that it hasn't vanished. As of Tuesday morning, India reported 6,815 active Covid-19 cases, with 324 fresh cases in just the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). Although these numbers are far from the alarming peaks of earlier waves, they hint at a subtle resurgence that deserves attention, not panic. Among the newly reported cases, three Covid-related deaths were recorded: one each from Delhi, Kerala and Jharkhand. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Preeti Kabra shared, 'As of now, India is not witnessing a significant surge but sporadic cases are emerging across states and localised clusters especially in urban population are being monitored. One of the challenges is that many people with mild symptoms are not testing, so true case numbers may be underreported.' She added, 'What's encouraging, however, is that hospitalisation and death rates remain low a sign that vaccinations and past exposures continue to provide some level of protection.' From a clinical standpoint, Dr Preeti Kabra asserted that the following groups must exercise extra caution: These individuals are more likely to develop complications like pneumonia, clotting disorders, or long Covid, even if the current strains appear milder. Dr Preeti Kabra answered, 'Vaccination especially when up to date with boosters still offers strong protection against severe disease and death. That said, breakthrough infections are common due to waning antibodies, but these cases are often milder and resolve faster.' Vaccinated individuals may still get infected, but tend to recover at home with minimal symptoms. Dr Preeti Kabra cautioned, 'However, they can still transmit the virus. Unvaccinated individuals are at greater risk of complications and longer illness durations. The absence of immunity also makes them more vulnerable to newer variants.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Covid-19 comeback: Here's why coronavirus is spreading again and new symptoms you should watch out for
Over the last few weeks, there has been renewed global attention on Covid-19, as case numbers begin to rise subtly but steadily in parts of Asia. While India has not yet reported a major new wave, early warning signs are prompting concern. India's current official count remains low, patterns in neighbouring countries are a reminder that the virus hasn't disappeared it has just become subtler. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Preeti Kabra, Senior Chief of Lab at Neuberg Diagnostics, revealed the following reasons - 1. Waning Immunity: Immunity whether from prior infection or vaccination tends to decline over time. Many individuals who were vaccinated during the early phases of the pandemic (2021–22) have not received a recent booster, making them more susceptible now. 2. New Variants and Climate Factors: SARS-CoV-2 continues to mutate. Certain new variants may spread more easily or evade immune defences. Interestingly, we are now seeing spread even during hotter months, defying earlier seasonal patterns of respiratory viruses. Recent cases show that Covid-19 symptoms are evolving. According to Dr Preeti Kabra, the common cold-like signs are back but some features are unique and should not be ignored: Dr Preeti Kabra concluded, 'The challenge is that many of these symptoms overlap with flu, dengue, or even seasonal allergies. That's why testing remains important, especially for those in high-risk groups.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
