FIT IN CONSULTANTS

New Delhi: The recent rise in COVID-19 cases is not a cause for concern. However, we still need to be watchful not just for COVID-19, but also because of a seasonal influenza outbreak and other respiratory illnesses, cautioned Dr Raman Gangakhedkar, Former Head Scientist, Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). After 129 days, India reported more than 1000 infection cases on March 19, 2023. The Union Health Ministry had also raised an alarm about rising COVID-19 cases in six states. Among the states, Gujarat is seeing the fastest spike in COVID-19 cases.

“There had been a huge gap in testing for COVID-19 after Omicron, people had almost reduced testing to a negligible level. As the illness by the variant was milder. Also, the fear had gone so COVID-appropriate behaviours have also dropped down. With the sudden spike of influenza and adenovirus infection across states which have similar symptoms. Doctors are advising patients with symptoms of fever, cough, cold and breathlessness for testing both COVID and H3N2 cases are being reported and it shows an increase in the trend,” Dr Gangakhedkar told ETHealthworld.

Commenting on whether the rise in COVID cases is due to the XBB 1.16 variant, the public health expert stated that there is no sufficient evidence available to state that XBB 1.16 is a variant of concern.

Informing that health-seeking or treatment-seeking behaviour is reflecting the spike in COVID cases, Dr Gangakhedkar said, “There is no need to panic, but we need to be vigilant. If COVID surveillance picks up any new mutant that is spreading rapidly in clusters then it is going to be a cause for worry. Currently, there is no reason to believe that there is data which says this is a variant of concern, variants are going to come because the virus keeps on mutating.”

Urging people aged 60 and above to take booster shots, he said, “Booster doses are a must for people aged 60 plus and those who have chronic morbidities. We at least know vaccines work very well. It protects you so much against hospitalisation and death. So those who have not taken COVID-19 boosters should try to get the booster shot as soon as possible.”

Indicating that whenever viral respiratory illnesses be it severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) or others, breakouts are only for short durations, Dr Gangakhedkar said, “Every time a respiratory illness comes, it comes only for a short duration. The pandemic has come only to remind us, we have warned but we didn’t listen and this time it has taken a massive toll on humanity. We have to learn from our past experiences and take it as a part of our lifestyle and take precautions like cleanliness, preventing crowding, staying home when sick, wearing a well-fitted mask for extra protection, and seeking early access to antiviral treatment for flu.”