[ad_1]
Experts say Covid cases have been rising in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar over the past few weeks due to temperature fluctuations and the emergence of new and more infectious strains. Delhi has reported 63 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours, while other northern states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are also seeing a rise in cases. The last time such numbers were recorded in Delhi was in May last year. In the last 15 days, Delhi recorded 459 Covid cases, up from 191 in the last fortnight and 73 in the 15-day period before that. (Also read: COVID-19 rapid tests still work against new variants – researchers keep ‘testing the tests’ and they pass)
The recent surge in COVID-19 cases across North India, including states like Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, has raised concerns and this surge can be attributed to a combination of key factors such as low testing rates, emergence of mutant variants Is. Weather fluctuations in North India.
Dr H Guru Prasad, Associate Clinical Director and Head of Department, Internal Medicine, Care Hospital, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, shared the possible reasons behind the Covid surge in North India in an interview with HT Digital.
What is the reason for Covid surge in North India?
Dr Prasad says the new mutants may be more infectious than the previous ones and there is also a region-specific trend of increase in cases. While North India is currently witnessing a surge, cases are declining in South India.
“The recent surge in COVID-19 cases in North India is influenced by a combination of multiple factors, including the emergence of mutant variants, low testing rates, previous waves, regional variations and the impact of weather conditions. Remaining vigilant and following preventive measures Doing so, including vaccination, is important to reduce the spread of the virus,” he says.
• Emergence of mutant variants: The increase in infections is linked to the emergence of highly infectious mutant variants, including Omicron XE and BA.2, which are significantly contributing to the current spike³.
• Testing Rates and Actual Count: Low testing rates suggest that the actual number of cases is likely much higher, with reported figures not fully reflecting the true extent of infection.
• Previous waves and types: India has faced a wave of COVID-19 cases driven by different variants, with the B.1.617 variant, known as the ‘double mutant’, believed to be more infectious than previous strains.
• Regional variation: While northern states are seeing an increase, other regions are seeing diverse trends. For example:
– Karnataka, which had recently faced a surge in cases, is now seeing a decline in cases.
– Maharashtra has been relatively stable in the last three fortnight.
• Weather conditions: Adverse weather patterns, including temperature and humidity variations, play a significant role in the recent spike by creating a favorable environment for viral transmission.
Symptoms of Covid-19
COVID-19 can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
• Fever
• cough
• weakness
• body pain
• running nose
• blocked nose
• Headache
In severe cases, patients may experience decreased blood oxygen saturation and acute respiratory distress, requiring mechanical ventilation.
Preventive Tips
To protect yourself and prevent the spread of the virus, follow Dr. Prasad’s guidelines:
1. Wash your hands: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
2. Avoid touching your face: Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth.
3. Physical distance: Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others, especially in crowded places.
4. Wear a mask: Use masks, especially during times of high transmission.
5. Good hygiene: Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
6. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to stay well hydrated.
7. Avoid sick people: Minimize close contact with individuals showing respiratory symptoms.
8. Good indoor air flow:Ensure proper ventilation inside the house.
9. Vaccination: Get vaccinated to protect yourself and reduce the severity of symptoms.
[ad_2]
