India Sees Mild Rise In COVID Cases, Here’s What It Means According To Experts

 

Following the rise in COVID-19 infections across South Asia, primarily Singapore and Hong Kong, India has also witnessed a mild increase in cases of COVID-19. As per the Union Ministry of Health, 257 active cases have been reported as of May 19. While the cases in India have been mild as of now, doctors have urged people to remain careful.

 

 

Lesser Common Symptoms Of COVID

Interestingly, two less common symptoms – diarrhoea and conjunctivitis (pink eye) – are drawing attention during the current COVID wave. While these signs weren’t widely linked to previous surges, they’re now appearing more frequently. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has noted that pink eye, though rare, can occur in COVID-19 cases. Similarly, research from the Mayo Clinic found that some infected individuals experienced gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and loose stools. Until recently, however, these symptoms weren’t recognised as typical indicators of the virus.

Dr Sandeep Budhiraja, Group Medical Director of Max Healthcare & Senior Director at the Institute of Internal Medicine, Delhi, says, “The good news is that the present variant, which is causing COVID in these countries, is not much different from what we experienced during the last waves of COVID. The variant that is being reported is JN.1, which is the last prominent dominant variant in the last COVID outbreak in various countries, including the US. What we know of these variants, which belong to the Omicron family, is that they do not cause a severe illness in most people. However, this is infectious and it spreads fast in a community region or a country.”

 

 

Why Has COVID Resurged?

Talking about the resurgence of the virus, Dr Budhiraja noted, “These viruses tend to remain in more endemic form and have a tendency to cause these outbreaks after the peak pandemic stage is over. The reason is not that this virus is more virulent, but probably due to do with the waning immunity of the population at large, especially since routine vaccinations have not been happening. So, over the years, the immunity of a person against COVID tends to go down, and it is being assumed that it’s probably the waning immunity that is causing this virus to come back. The virus is not more virulent, except in very high-risk individuals, people of old age, immunocompromised, and with various medical comorbidities.”

Dr Budhiraja continued, “The precautions and the symptoms caused by this variant are more or less the same as those of any typical COVID symptom.”

 

 

How To Protect Yourself From COVID

The most effective way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is by sticking to the basics and staying vigilant. Wear a mask in crowded or enclosed spaces, avoid travel to regions seeing a surge in cases, maintain proper hygiene, and steer clear of close contact with anyone showing symptoms. If you begin to feel unwell, it’s important to isolate promptly and consult your doctor about testing and further care.