2 days ago
How basic precautions, timely care can help keep high-risk individuals safe amid COVID-19 surge
Amid rising COVID-19 cases and fatalities, experts have advised that high-risk groups, including those above 65 years and people with comorbidities, such as diabetes, chronic lung or kidney disease, and heart conditions, need to be extra careful.
According to Dr Viny Kantroo, senior consultant, respiratory, critical care and sleep medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi, COVID-appropriate behaviour is essential for such people. This includes wearing a mask in crowded places, while traveling, or if you have respiratory symptoms, maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding touching your face, controlling chronic conditions like diabetes to avoid complications, and practising respiratory etiquette — sneezing or coughing into a tissue or your elbow.
India is witnessing a fresh uptick in coronavirus infections, with 4,866 active infections and seven recent deaths, including that of a five-month-old infant with cerebral palsy. While the surge deserves attention, medical experts emphasise that the current variants cause milder illness in most individuals.
The key to navigating this phase lies in awareness, adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviour, and timely care for vulnerable groups, says Dr Kantroo.
With around 28-30 patients currently hospitalised in Delhi, most admissions are precautionary or involve high-risk individuals. The majority of infections continue to be mild or moderate, and the healthcare system is well-prepared to handle such cases.
For those who test positive and have high-risk conditions, doctors may prescribe antiviral treatment like Paxlovid, ideally within five days of the onset of symptoms and after checking liver and kidney function.
High-risk groups remain most vulnerable to complications. You should be more vigilant if you fall in the following categories:
• Senior citizens (65+ years)
• Diabetics and those with heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease
• Immunocompromised individuals, including cancer and transplant patients and those on steroids or immunosuppressants
• Pregnant women with comorbidities
• People with a history of severe COVID infection
Seek early medical care if you experience:
• Shortness of breath
• Low oxygen saturation
• Persistent symptoms beyond seven days
• A fever that is not responding to treatment
As of now, booster vaccines are not recommended for the general population in India. There are no updated COVID-19 boosters available locally, and authorities like the World Health Organization (WHO) are still assessing the evolving behaviour of the virus. However, high-risk individuals should consult their physicians regarding preventive care, the focus should remain on overall health, masking, and early detection.
The current surge is driven by new Omicron sub-variants such as JN.1, NB.1.8.1, LF.7, and XFC, which have shown increased transmissibility but mostly mild symptoms. The WHO currently classifies these as 'Variants Under Monitoring' — not of concern yet, but requiring caution. These viruses are known for their ability to mutate, similar to influenza, which is why vigilance and seasonal updates remain relevant.
The current COVID-19 phase does not warrant panic, says Dr Kantroo, but calls for caution, preparedness, and responsible behaviour. Following basic health measures, staying updated, and seeking timely care can go a long way in keeping ourselves and our communities safe.
