Latest news with #RandeepGuleria
India Today
2 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Rafale fuselages to be made in India in boost to indigenous defence manufacturing
27:15 This episode of Health360 delves into India's rising COVID-19 cases, fuelled by new Omicron sub-variants like JN.1. Dr. Randeep Guleria, ex-AIIMS director, explains its symptoms and cautions for vulnerable groups. Dr. Arjun Dang discusses rising test demands and variant spread. The show also explores 'Disease X' and its potential impact on future pandemics.
India Today
5 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Covid is now endemic: Top pulmonologist Randeep Guleria on vaccines, staying safe
India is once again seeing a rise in Covid-19 cases, with some regions reporting more severe illness, and even Randeep Guleria, former AIIMS chief and a senior pulmonologist, has explained why this is happening and what we can do to protect IS STILL AROUND, BUT IT'S CHANGED According to Dr. Guleria, Covid-19 has not gone away. 'We are now in an endemic stage, meaning the virus is here to stay and will keep changing,' he said in an exclusive interview with current increase in cases is being caused by a sub-variant of Omicron, known as JN.1. This variant spreads more easily because it has changed in a way that helps it escape the immunity people developed from earlier infections or most people may experience only mild symptoms, those with weak immunity, such as the elderly or people with serious health conditions, are at a higher risk of severe illness and even death. The current increase in cases is being caused by a sub-variant of Omicron, known as JN.1. (Photo: Generative AI) He said that as variants keep evolving with changes in their spike protein, the overall immunity has wanned since the vaccine was taken 2-3 years ago. But also, mutating variants seems to evade the immune system, leading to increased Omicron sub-variant is behaving like a viral infection that peaks during monsoon. 'In northern India we see two peaks, one in winter and one in monsoon. But in places like Chennai and other southern parts, it peaks in October,' said Dr. ABOUT THE OLD VACCINES?Dr. Guleria explained that the vaccines we took two or three years ago were designed to fight the original strain of the virus from Wuhan, the virus has changed, the effectiveness of those vaccines has gone down.'They don't offer the same level of protection now,' he said. Because of this, getting another dose of the old vaccine may not be Dr. Guleria strongly recommends that everyone, especially the elderly and people with existing health problems, take the flu vaccine. As the virus has changed, the effectiveness of those vaccines has gone down. () While it won't protect against Covid-19, it can prevent influenza, which can also be dangerous for high-risk NEEDS TO BE EXTRA CAREFUL?advertisementPeople over the age of 60, those with conditions like diabetes or heart disease, and anyone on immune-suppressing medications should avoid crowded indoor spaces.'Wear a mask if you must go out and follow Covid-appropriate behaviour,' said Dr. same advice applies to younger people with health the average healthy person, mask-wearing is not necessary unless you're around someone who is sick or in a high-risk workers, for example, don't need masks unless they belong to a vulnerable YOU GET TESTED?Dr. Guleria said that not everyone with cold or cough symptoms needs to get tested for Covid. For the average healthy person, mask-wearing is not necessary unless you're around someone who is sick or in a high-risk setting. () 'If your symptoms are mild and you're otherwise healthy, you can stay at home and recover,' he if you have a high fever, chest discomfort, or are not getting better, especially if you are elderly or have other illnesses, you should get helps in choosing the right treatment, whether for flu or is once again seeing a rise in Covid-19 cases, with some regions reporting more severe illness and even Randeep Guleria, a senior pulmonologist at Medanta Hospital, has explained why this is happening and what we can do to protect HOME IF YOU'RE SICKEven if you're young and healthy, it's important to avoid going to work or school if you're sick.'This helps break the chain of infection,' Dr. Guleria said. If you test positive for Covid-19, isolating for at least five days is still Guleria expects the current wave to continue for a while before it slows down. While the illness remains mild for most, he has urged everyone to be cautious, especially those at higher DISEASE CRISISThe expert also highlighted the growing threat of infectious diseases in general and the need for better public health systems. Even if you're young and healthy, it's important to avoid going to work or school if you're sick. () advertisement'We've seen many outbreaks in the last 25 years. We need stronger surveillance and emergency plans to prepare for future health threats,' said Dr. if you're young and healthy, it's important to avoid going to work or school if you're sick.'This helps break the chain of infection,' Dr. Guleria said. If you test positive for Covid-19, isolating for at least five days is still Guleria expects the current wave to continue for a while before it slows down. While the illness remains mild for most, he has urged everyone to be cautious, especially those at higher InMust Watch
News18
28-05-2025
- Health
- News18
'JN.1 Variant Not Fatal But...': Ex-AIIMS Chief Randeep Guleria On Rising Covid-19 Cases
Last Updated: Dr Guleria said COVID-19 vaccines protect against the JN.1 variant, though not fully due to its mutations. They still lower the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and death Several countries, including India, are witnessing a fresh surge in COVID-19 cases, sparking renewed public concern. After a period of relative decline, infections are once again on the rise—driven by emerging variants. Amid this uptick, Dr. Randeep Guleria, former director of AIIMS Delhi, has weighed in on the situation, offering insights and advice on how to stay safe. Speaking to a private news channel, Dr. Guleria explained that the increase in COVID-19 cases is primarily due to the JN.1 variant, first identified in August 2023. This variant, a sub-variant of the Omicron lineage, is spreading rapidly due to mutations in the spike protein, enabling it to evade the immune system. Dr. Guleria shared that while the JN.1 variant is not highly fatal and generally causes mild symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, cold, and runny nose, it can be more dangerous for the elderly, individuals with comorbidities like diabetes or heart disease, and those with weakened immune systems. Dr. Guleria emphasised that these vulnerable groups should adhere strictly to COVID-19 protocols to avoid infection. The situation in India remains under control, but ongoing surveillance of the new variant is necessary, he said adding that preparations should be made to handle any potential escalation. The former AIIMS director said current data suggests that COVID-19 vaccines offer protection against the JN.1 variant, although they may not fully prevent infection due to its mutations. Vaccines help reduce the severity of the illness and the risk of hospitalisation or death. However, the constant mutations in the virus may decrease the effectiveness of older vaccines, he cautioned. According to experts, people with serious health conditions should take extra precautions to avoid COVID-19. In addition to vaccines, various antiviral medications are now available, which can help treat COVID-19 and reduce the severity of symptoms, they said. These drugs have proven effective against the virus and have contributed to lower mortality rates compared to the early stages of the pandemic, they said adding that antiviral medications are particularly beneficial for high-risk patients, aiding in their recovery. Experts have advised that since COVID-19 symptoms often resemble those of other infections, anyone experiencing a cough, cold, or fever should consider getting tested. First Published: May 28, 2025, 15:03 IST
