C0VID-19 Resurgence: Expert advice from The Deccan Hospital

By Dr P Vamsee Krishna Chief Consultant Physician & Diabetologist The Deccan Hospital, Somajiguda, Hyderabad COVID-19 cases are once again showing an upward trend in several regions, reminding us that the virus continues to circulate. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has ended the globalpublichealthemergency, COVID-19 remains a significant health concern, particularly for older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and those with weakened immune systems. Rather than panic, this is the time to remain vigilant and adopt sensible preventive measures.

Even if the currently circulating variants cause milder illness in many individuals, a large number of infections can still place considerable pressure on

Daily Preventive Measures

• Wear a Mask: Use a well-fitted surgical mask or N95 mask in crowded indoor places, hospitals, or poorly ventilated areas.
• Maintain Hand Hygiene: Washyour hands frequently with soap and waterforatleast20secondsorusean alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Ensure Good Ventilation: Keep windows open whenever possible to improve airflow indoors.
• Maintain Safe Distance: Avoidclose contact with people who are unwell and maintain physical distancing in crowded places.
• Stay Vaccinated: Keep yourCOVID-19 vaccination and booster doses up to date, especially if you are over 60 years of age or have underlying medical conditions.
• Common Symptoms

Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Inform close contacts if you test positive so they can monitor their health.

ProtectingHigh-RiskIndividuals

• Older adults, pregnant women, and people with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disease, cancer, or weakenedimmunityareathigherrisk of severe COVID-19.
• Avoid visiting vulnerable individuals if you have symptoms or have recently been exposed to COVID-19.
• Encourage high-risk individuals to wear masks in crowded places.
• Ensure chronic medical conditions remain well controlled through regular medical follow-up.
• Seek Immediate MedicalAttention If You Experience
• Difficulty breathing or severe shortness of breath
• Oxygen saturation below 94%(unlessotherwiseadvisedbyyour

Healthcare services: Increased hospital admissions may affect the timely treatment of patients with other seriousmedicalconditions.Inaddition,

• Fever
• Sorethroat
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Bodyaches
• Headache
• Runnynose
• Persistentchestpainorpressure
• Highfeverthatdoesnotimprove with medication

COVID-19 continues to pose a risk ofLong COVID, where symptoms such as fatigue,breathlessness,brainfog,andother health problems may persist for weeks or months after recovery.

Another concern is that continued transmission provides the virus with opportunities to mutate, potentially leading to new variants. Therefore, protecting ourselves and those around us remains a shared responsibility.