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Time of India
23-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Delhi hospitals told to be prepared amid rise in Covid cases
In view of the recent increase in Covid-19 cases, the Delhi government Friday issued an advisory, asking hospitals to prepare in terms of availability of beds, oxygen, medicines and vaccines. Experts however assured that there is no cause for immediate worry as there is currently no evidence that the new variants of Covid-19 are more transmissible or severe than earlier ones. "Ensure all the equipment's such as ventilators, Bi-pap, oxygen concentrators, PSA are in functional condition," it said. The health department directed adequate testing as per Covid guidelines. "Ensure Covid testing of 5% ILI cases and 100% SARI cases," it said. The government also asked health institutions to send all positive Covid samples for genome sequencing to Lok Nayak Hospital. It has also instructed all hospital staff to start wearing masks, as part of respiratory etiquettes. LF.7 and NB.1.8-both offshoots of coronavirus subvariant JN.1-are currently the most common variants, accounting for more than two-thirds of all sequenced cases in Singapore and Hong Kong. The latest spike is being attributed to waning immunity. The infection rate in Hong Kong has surged to 11.4% from 1.7% in mid-March, according to data from the Centre for Health Protection, under the department of health in Hong Kong. Gautam Menon, professor of physics and biology at Ashoka University, said India could see an increase in flu-like cases in the next few months. Mumbai has reported 95 new Covid cases in May-a significant uptick compared to Maharashtra's total of 106 since January, according to the state health department. Dr Sandeep Budhiraja, group medical director & senior director - Institute of Internal Medicine at Max Healthcare said India needs to remain vigilant. "Any such case which comes where there is a suspicion, especially a traveller, should be tested; genomic surveillance testing should be done, and of course, the person should then isolate himself or herself. At this stage, other than this, any mass advice for people at a larger population base is not required because India has yet not reported any increased number of cases," he said.
News18
23-05-2025
- Health
- News18
India Sees Mild Rise In COVID Cases, Here's What It Means According To Experts
Last Updated: India has witnessed a mild increase in COVID cases after the the number of infections rose in Singapore and Hong Kong. Experts reveal what you need to know and how to stay safe. Following the rise in COVID-19 infections across South Asia, primarily Singapore and Hong Kong, India has also witnessed a mild increase in cases of COVID-19. As per the Union Ministry of Health, 257 active cases have been reported as of May 19. While the cases in India have been mild as of now, doctors have urged people to remain careful. Lesser Common Symptoms Of COVID Interestingly, two less common symptoms – diarrhoea and conjunctivitis (pink eye) – are drawing attention during the current COVID wave. While these signs weren't widely linked to previous surges, they're now appearing more frequently. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has noted that pink eye, though rare, can occur in COVID-19 cases. Similarly, research from the Mayo Clinic found that some infected individuals experienced gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and loose stools. Until recently, however, these symptoms weren't recognised as typical indicators of the virus. Dr Sandeep Budhiraja, Group Medical Director of Max Healthcare & Senior Director at the Institute of Internal Medicine, Delhi, says, 'The good news is that the present variant, which is causing COVID in these countries, is not much different from what we experienced during the last waves of COVID. The variant that is being reported is JN.1, which is the last prominent dominant variant in the last COVID outbreak in various countries, including the US. What we know of these variants, which belong to the Omicron family, is that they do not cause a severe illness in most people. However, this is infectious and it spreads fast in a community region or a country." Why Has COVID Resurged? Dr Budhiraja continued, 'The precautions and the symptoms caused by this variant are more or less the same as those of any typical COVID symptom." How To Protect Yourself From COVID The most effective way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is by sticking to the basics and staying vigilant. Wear a mask in crowded or enclosed spaces, avoid travel to regions seeing a surge in cases, maintain proper hygiene, and steer clear of close contact with anyone showing symptoms. If you begin to feel unwell, it's important to isolate promptly and consult your doctor about testing and further care. First Published:
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Business Standard
20-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Covid-19 cases cross 250 mark in India: Should you worry about JN.1 variant?
Covid spreads across Asia as India records 257 active cases A new wave of Covid-19 has quietly taken hold across parts of Asia, from Singapore and Hong Kong to India and Thailand. India is witnessing a modest increase in cases, with 257 active infections reported nationwide as of May 19, according to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). The infections in Singapore increased to over 14,000 in early May 2025, up from 11,100 cases in the last week of April. But what's fuelling this surge? Meet JN.1, a highly transmissible descendant of Omicron. The surge in Singapore and Hong Kong has been linked to the LF.7 and NB.1.8 variants, sub-lineages of the broader JN.1 variant. However, health officials in India have not confirmed the presence or spread of JN.1 variants within the country so far. What is JN.1 and how is it different from earlier Covid strains? According to Yale Medicine, the JN.1 strain is a close relative of BA.2.86 (informally referred to as 'Pirola'), a lineage of the Omicron variant. 'A difference between BA.2.86 and JN.1 is that the latter has one mutation in its spike protein, a single change that may or may not alter any of the traits that characterise the virus, although preliminary research shows that it may provide extra immune evasion,' it added. First detected in August 2023 and later classified as a Variant of Interest by the World Health Organization (WHO) in December 2023, JN.1 has some 30 mutations that help it sneak past our immune defences. This variant has even evolved with additional mutations that may make it spread more efficiently than its predecessors, according to Yale Medicine. Although it's genetically clever, doctors say it's not necessarily more severe. Still, its ability to evade immunity is what makes it tricky. 'The current JN.1 variant is not more severe than past variants but is more transmissible. That's why it's causing concern across Asia,' said Dr Sandeep Budhiraja, Group Medical Director – Max Healthcare & Senior Director – Institute of Internal Medicine. Why is there a rise now and could India face a summer wave? According to Dr Diksha Goyal, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, the current wave—especially during summer when respiratory illnesses usually dip—is unusual. The surge is likely being driven by waning immunity, as most people received their vaccines long ago and haven't had booster shots in recent times. 'This unusual summer wave is being linked to waning immunity, since many people haven't received booster doses in over a year,' she said. 'Covid-19 hasn't disappeared,' said Dr Budhiraja. 'It's become endemic and will likely cause periodic spikes. What's important is to monitor these carefully, especially through genomic surveillance.' How does JN.1 spread and how contagious is it? According to doctors, JN.1 is more efficient at spreading compared to its parent strains. Its mutations help it attach more easily to human cells and dodge some immune responses. The virus spreads the same way as earlier Covid variants: Airborne droplets from talking, coughing, or sneezing Close contact in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces Contaminated surfaces (less common but still possible) What are the symptoms of JN.1 Covid infections? The symptoms of JN.1 are similar to previous Covid-19 variants, and most cases remain mild. Common symptoms include: Sore throat Runny or blocked nose Dry cough Fever and chills Headache Muscle achesFatigue or exhaustion Nausea or diarrhoea Loss of smell or taste (less common now) 'There's nothing unusual about the symptoms; it behaves like earlier Omicron strains,' said Dr Budhiraja. 'But people with weaker immune systems may experience more fatigue.' Doctors said that most cases are mild and can be managed at home. However, high-risk individuals—such as the elderly, people with diabetes or heart disease, or those on immunosuppressants—should remain extra cautious. 'Most patients recover well, but we are seeing more moderate cases in high-risk groups,' noted Dr Goyal. How is JN.1 detected through testing? 'Standard real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests are used for diagnosis,' explains Dr Niranjan Patil, AVP at Metropolis Healthcare. 'If a sample tests positive, it is then sent for genomic sequencing to identify the specific variant, such as JN.1.' Main testing options include: RT-PCR (gold standard, accurate but takes 24–48 hours) Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) (faster but less sensitive) Multiplex PCR tests (such as BioFire, QIAstat) that check for Covid along with other respiratory viruses Test costs: As per government capping, most labs charge between ₹500–₹800 for RT-PCR. Multiplex tests are more expensive. Do vaccines still work against JN.1? Yes, they do—at least to a significant extent. 'Updated Covid-19 boosters provide significant protection against symptomatic JN.1 infections,' says Dr Budhiraja. 'They also significantly reduce the risk of severe disease and hospitalisation.' Even though no JN.1-specific vaccines are available yet, health experts strongly recommend booster doses, especially for those in vulnerable groups. Should people start wearing masks again? Doctors recommend mask use, especially in crowded indoor settings or if you're in a high-risk group. Precautionary measures: Wear a well-fitting mask in public indoor spaces Wash hands frequently Avoid crowded places if you're feeling unwell Get your booster dose if you haven't yet Stay home and isolate if you test positive 'It's not about panic, it's about preparedness,' says Dr Budhiraja. Is JN.1 a cause for panic in India? No. There's absolutely no need to panic. India's numbers are still low, and most cases are mild. But this resurgence is a wake-up call that Covid-19 isn't gone—it's just in a different phase. Think of it like the seasonal flu: manageable but still a threat to the vulnerable. Doctors have called for stronger collaboration between countries and better reporting to help stay ahead of future waves and avoid another global pandemic. 'Genomic surveillance helps identify emerging variants and track their spread,' said Dr Budhiraja. 'It is also crucial for updating treatment guidelines and vaccine strategies.'
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Covid-19 surge in Singapore, Hong Kong not a cause for concern in India: Health Ministry
Amid the latest surge in Covid-19 cases in Singapore and Hong Kong, a review meeting of experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and central government hospitals was held under the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) on Monday. "The current Covid-19 situation in India remains under control," the health ministry said in a statement. As of May 19, the number of active Covid-19 cases in India stands at 257. "Almost all of these cases are mild, with no hospitalisation required," it further said. The health ministry said they remain vigilant in monitoring the situation closely. Coronavirus subvariant JN.1, responsible for the latest Covid surge in Singapore and Hong Kong, has been circulating in India for quite some time and there's nothing to worry as there is no evidence that the variants were more transmissible or severe, health experts told ET. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Never Put Eggs In The Refrigerator. Here's Why... Car Novels Undo LF.7 and NB.1.8, both offshoots of JN.1, are currently the most common variants, accounting for more than two-thirds of all sequenced cases in both Singapore and Hong Kong. The spike is being attributed to waning immunity. The infection rate in Hong Kong has seen a sharp surge from 1.7% in mid of March to 11.4% now, according to the data by the Centre for Health Protection, under the department of health in Hong Kong. Live Events Gautam Menon, professor of physics and biology at Ashoka University, said that India could see a rise in flu-like cases in the next few months. "Singapore and Hong Kong are seeing a rise in cases of the variants LF.7 and NB.1.8, which are descended from the JN.1 strain. I think we can anticipate a rise in flu-like cases traceable to these variants in the next few months". Dr Sandeep Budhiraja, group medical director-Max Healthcare & senior director-Institute of Internal Medicine, said the good news is that the present variant which is causing Covid in these countries is not much different from what we experienced during the last waves of Covid.
News18
19-05-2025
- Health
- News18
COVID-19 Resurgence in Asia: Why India Must Stay Alert But Not Panic
Last Updated: Covid-19: 'There is absolutely no need to panic, but we must stay alert and vigilant over the coming weeks,' says Dr. Sandeep Budhiraja. As the summer of 2025 unfolds, reports of a COVID-19 uptick from countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand have begun to surface, prompting renewed global attention. While such spikes were once synonymous with colder months, this unusual summer wave has led public health experts to advise increased vigilance—though not alarm. Dr. Sandeep Budhiraja, Group Medical Director at Max Healthcare and Senior Director at the Institute of Internal Medicine, offers a measured perspective, 'What's unusual is that this current surge is happening in the summer months, which typically are not known for respiratory virus peaks." He attributes the uptick in infections to the JN.1 variant, a sub-lineage of Omicron that previously made headlines about a year ago. Despite its contagious nature, JN.1 is not significantly different or more severe than past variants, Dr. Budhiraja reassures. 'This variant, like others in the Omicron family, doesn't typically cause serious illness in most people. But it does spread fast," he says. No Need for Alarm, But Vigilance is Key While the symptoms remain consistent with typical COVID-19—fever, cough, fatigue, and respiratory discomfort—Dr. Budhiraja stresses that there is 'nothing unique or more dangerous" about this strain. Nevertheless, he urges countries, including India, to remain alert and implement the same tried-and-tested public health measures: A critical aspect of containment, according to Dr. Budhiraja, lies in genomic surveillance and international reporting mechanisms. 'Countries must have a robust reporting system and genomic testing to trace which variant is spreading," he says. India, he advises, should especially focus on monitoring international arrivals from affected regions and testing symptomatic individuals. 'If we see any surge, particularly among travellers, then screening and isolation will be necessary. But at present, such steps on a mass scale are not required." Waning Immunity Could Be a Factor A key insight shared by Dr Budhiraja is the role of waning immunity in the resurgence. 'The virus hasn't become more virulent—it's our immunity that might have declined," he explains, pointing out that vaccination drives have understandably slowed down, and most populations haven't received booster doses in recent months or years. This leaves segments of the population—especially the elderly, immunocompromised, or those with chronic conditions—vulnerable to infection. If cases rise in India, these high-risk groups should be prioritized for booster vaccinations. India's Current Status: No Surge, No Panic Encouragingly, India is not currently witnessing any significant rise in COVID-19 cases. The number of active cases remains below 100, which, in the words of Dr. Budhiraja, 'is at a very baseline level." 'There is absolutely no need to panic. But we must remain alert over the next few weeks to monitor how the situation in Southeast Asia evolves and whether it begins to impact other regions," he says. Conclusion: Stay Calm, Stay Prepared As the world enters a new phase of coexistence with COVID-19, experts like Dr. Budhiraja are urging both caution and composure. The resurgence in parts of Asia serves as a reminder that while the virus has become endemic, its presence hasn't vanished. 'COVID never went away," says Dr. Budhiraja. 'It simply remained at low levels. Periodic outbreaks are part of its natural behaviour now." The path forward, he adds, is not panic-driven lockdowns or restrictions, but measured public health responses, international cooperation, and continued vigilance. First Published:
