52 year-old Kavita Balasubramaniam wrapped up a hectic day in her office in Electronic City (Bengaluru) and returned home exhausted but perfectly healthy. The next morning, she struggled to get out of bed. A high fever, acute body ache, sore throat, cough and cold ensured she remained confined to the bed for five days, followed by extreme fatigue and a persistent cough. The neighbour she had come into close contact with experienced similar symptoms and remained out of action for 15 days.
Threat of Covid variants
COVID 19 might have seemingly disappeared but health experts say that its mild variants and several bacterial and viral infections are on the rise.
Dr. Subrata Das, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine and Diabetology, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru says, “In the last two weeks, there has been a rise in symptoms reminiscent of Covid. While one patient tested positive initially, subsequent tests have been inconclusive, indicating mild symptoms like a cold, cough, and occasional loss of taste. The daily occurrence of flu-like symptoms, numbering 10-15, has increased, although these cases tested negative for Covid. There’s a surge in viral respiratory illness resembling both flu and Covid. The Covid-like symptoms, lasting 2-3 days, include fever, body pain, runny nose, loss of appetite, and a prolonged 2-4 week absence of smell. While these symptoms are common in various flu-like illnesses, the elevated instances of loss of taste and smell raise suspicions of potential Covid cases.”
The Union government has requested that state governments raise testing and monitoring over influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) in response to a minor increase in Covid cases in Kerala. During a normal genomic monitoring effort in the state, a case of JN.1, a subvariant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID 19, was discovered. The patient who tested positive for JN.1 had moderate influenza-like symptoms, according to the Health Ministry, and recovered from COVID 19.
Doctor Sunil Kumar Hebbi, who is famous as ‘Doctor on Wheels’ in Bengaluru says there has been a consistent flow of patients since the last one and a half months who are reporting fever, burning sensation in the eyes, abdominal pain, cough and cold. “Out of 50-70 patients I see, around 15-20 show COVID like symptoms. Some rare cases also report breathlessness,” says Dr. Hebbi. General physician Hebbi sets up medical camps with the help of volunteers to serve the underprivileged people and those living in remote areas.
Doctor Aditya S. Chowti, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru feels that it’s not the time to slacken up. There are a lot of viral and bacterial infections going around. “It’s bad weather. There are a lot of variations in the weather in Bangalore. Patients are coming with respiratory complications and COVID like symptoms. People who are already compromised and have uncontrolled diabetes are particularly vulnerable.”
The Karnataka government has even mandated the wearing of masks in public areas for persons over 60 and those with comorbid conditions like heart and kidney ailments, in light of the spike in infections and COVID fear.
Dos and Dont’s
Health experts feel that post corona, COVID appropriate behaviour has completely vanished which is dangerous. Given the contagious nature of respiratory infections, it is advisable to follow safety protocols, including covering your face while coughing and wearing masks in crowded settings. “People should continue wearing masks in crowded areas especially if there are too many people in confined spaces like planes, etc. In any case, basic hand hygiene should always be maintained. We must wash our hands or use hand sanitiser,” says Dr. Chowti.
In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the post-corona era has brought forth a heightened awareness of viral infections that continue to pose significant challenges to public health. As societies strive to adapt to a new normal, various viral threats reminiscent of COVID-19 have emerged, underscoring the persistent need for vigilance and preparedness. This post-corona period also serves as a crucial juncture for societies to re-evaluate and strengthen their healthcare systems, enhance surveillance mechanisms, and foster a united front against the diverse array of viral infections threatening global well-being.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.