Stay Vigilant As COVID Cases Rise in Neighbouring States: Doctors
The elderly, children and people with comorbidities are advised to take precautions
Hyderabad: There is no need to panic over reports of the recurrence of Covid-19 infection in neighbouring states, health experts said, adding that they were being reported along with other seasonal illnesses.
However, elderly people, children, pregnant women and individuals with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) should take precautions. Doctors have advised people against self-medication or purchasing over-the-counter medicines without consulting a medical practitioner.
Medical experts said individuals with diabetes, cancer or asthma, as well as those undergoing long-term steroid treatment, were at a higher risk of developing complications if infected with the virus.
Director of public health, Dr G. Ravinder Naik, said, “Covid-19 is present throughout the year. During periods of viral infections, we see positive cases. The deaths reported in neighbouring states involved individuals with non-communicable diseases. It is a seasonal illness, and there is no need to panic.”
He said the health department was constantly monitoring the cases, and had issued guidelines to primary health centres, basti dawakhanas and tertiary hospitals.” Rapid-response teams in the districts are visiting areas whenever complaints regarding Covid-19 symptoms are received, he added.
Dr B. Vamshi Krishna, associate professor in the department of general medicine at Gandhi Hospital, said individuals with comorbidities must wear masks and wash their hands regularly. Those experiencing fever should monitor their temperature. He also advised people against purchasing over-the-counter medicines for fever.
Doctors said travellers arriving from neighbouring states were reporting Covid-19 symptoms and receiving treatment. They advised such patients and their family members to remain in isolation.
Dr Shivaraj, an internal medicine expert, said, “I am seeing patients with symptoms of Covid-19. One family that had travelled from Tirupati developed a high fever, loss of taste and extreme fatigue. The fatigue persisted even after the fever subsided, and they took nearly 10 days to recover.”
Although individuals are presenting with symptoms, Covid-19 tests are not being recommended unless the illness is severe or has affected the lungs. Doctors said medicines were being prescribed based on the symptoms, and isolation was mandatory for affected family members.
