COVID-19 updates: Amid the latest upsurge within the variety of Covid instances, medical experts have warned that the brand new XBB1.16 variant is able to evade the immune system of the folks and the upcoming 4 weeks are very essential. Senior Pediatrician at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Dr Dhiren Gupta, “The XBB 1.16 variant is the primary cause of the rise in cases among children and adults. This variant is showing immune escape and is able to evade the immune system. It is infecting those who had the Covid infection during the previous waves and also teenagers and adults who have been vaccinated.”
“It is likely to spread. Infections like adenovirus and influenza seem to be more bothersome than covid. The next four weeks are going to be important,” he mentioned. Dr Dhiren additionally mentioned that XBB 1.16 variant is believed to be extremely contagious and extra virulent than the earlier strains of the virus.
“There has been a significant rise in the number of Covid cases in India during the past few weeks, this has been attributed to a new variant known as XBB 1.16. The number of cases in children under 12 has also been increasing,” he mentioned. The Consultant General Paediatrician at Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Dr SK Nakra mentioned that among the many Covid constructive instances, conjunctivitis has additionally been reported in some instances.
Symptoms of coronavirus:
“The symptoms of Covid 19 are high fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, body aches and gastrointestinal symptoms. Red sticky eyes (conjunctivitis) has been also been reported by some physicians. However, this was seen in the earlier strains also in about 1-3 per cent of Covid patients. It is too early to say that this red eye is more common with XBB 1.16 variant,” he informed media.
He mentioned that many of the paediatric sufferers have gentle signs and are related to different viral infections (adenovirus) circulating presently. “RT PCR testing is required to confirm Covid 19. Infants, obese children and children with co-morbidities like asthma, juvenile diabetes and those on immuno suppression may get a severe form of Covid and need to be more careful.”
He additional warned these kids who come underneath comorbidities. Prevention can solely occur via Covid acceptable behaviour- masking in public locations, frequent handwashing and avoiding indoor crowded locations,” Dr Nakra added.
Rising instances in India:
Notably, there was seen a spike within the variety of Covid-19 instances throughout the nation. India reported a complete of 5675 new Covid-19 instances within the final 24 hours.Considering the prevailing state of affairs, the Union Ministry held a two-day nationwide mock drill to consider preparedness in opposition to the virus.
(With ANI inputs)
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