Covid may be around for some time: Doctor

By Dr. Brunda M S

Following the rise in Covid-19 cases in Karnataka, Covid restrictions have been extended till January 31 in the state. Since the last week of December, the state has been witnessing a steady surge in cases. However, in this third wave, the majority of the patients are witnessing milder covid symptoms and a low death rate. Fewer patients need hospitalization and show less severity.

Compared to the second wave, there is less likelihood of people being admitted to hospitals. Even when admitted fewer people are likely to require oxygen, ICU admission or the need for mechanical ventilation care. Overall omicron is causing less disease than previous variants but that doesn’t mean we should see it as less threatening. We might still end up with many people getting severely ill.

The delay in getting sequencing reports does make treatment strategies difficult for the variants as certain treatment modes work for delta while certain others do not work for omicron. We need quick results on genome sequencing to identify the variant as patients are just isolated in hospitals due to the nonavailability of the variant report. If we do not adhere to covid appropriate behavior, we would be facing a situation of increased numbers and a huge burden on the already exhausted health care system. The need of the hour to stay sensible with covid precautions and avoid panic. Needless to say, double vaccination for individuals who are not vaccinated, additional doses as recommended by the government and avoiding unnecessary travel or crowding is a must.

With the introduction of vaccination for young adults, booster doses for the elderly and continued implementation of covid appropriate behavior, we should learn to live with the variants. Safe practices would reduce the strain on health care services. Having said that, the cases are increasing in India and one must take care and the needed precautions. The need of the hour to stay sensible with covid precautions and avoid panic. If you are not vaccinated, visit a nearby health centre and get vaccinated at the earliest. Continue wearing a mask and follow Covid-19 guidelines and protocols, vaccinate as many adults who either have missed 2nd dose or are hesitant to take one and increase surveillance for detection and diagnosis.