India is once again observing an increase in Kovi -19 cases, more serious illness in some areas, and even fatal.

Former Emims chief and a senior pulmonologist Dr. Randeep Guleria has explained why this is happening and what we can do to save ourselves.

Kovid is still around, but it has changed

Dr. According to Guleria, Kovid -19 has not gone away. “Now we are in a spatial phase, which means the virus is to live here and will continue to change,” he said in a special interview with indiatoday.in.

Current increase in cases is due to a sub-variant of Omikron, known as JN.1. This version spreads more easily because it has changed in a way that helps it to avoid immune people developed from earlier infections or vaccines.

While most people can only experience mild symptoms, people with weak immunity, such as elderly or serious health conditions, are a high risk of serious illness and even death.

He said that as variants develop with changes in their spike protein, overall immunity was reduced since taking the vaccine 2-3 years ago. But in addition, the mutated variants avoid the immune system, which increases cases.

Omikron sub-variant is behaving like a viral infection that occurs on peaks during monsoon. “In northern India we see two peaks, one in winter and one in monsoon. But in places like Chennai and other southern parts, it is on peaks in October,” Dr. Guleria said.

What about old vaccines?

Dr. Guleria reported that the vaccines for two or three years ago were designed to fight the original stress of the virus from Wuhan, China.

As the virus has changed, the effectiveness of those vaccines is reduced.

“They no longer offer equal level security,” he said. Because of this, getting another dose of old vaccine may not be helpful.

However, Dr. Guleria strongly recommends that everyone, especially the elderly and people with current health problems, takes flu vaccine.

Although it will not prevent Kovid -19, it can prevent influenza, which can also be dangerous for high -risk groups.

Who needs to be extra careful?

People over 60 years of age, such as diabetes or heart disease, should avoid congested indoor places on conditions and immune-drug drugs.

“Wear a mask if you should go out and follow the covid-appropriate behavior,” Dr. Guleria said.

The same advice applies to young people with health issues.

For a average healthy person, masks-wake is not necessary unless you are around someone who is sick or in a high-risk setting.

For example, office staff does not require masks unless they belong to a weak group.

Should you test?

Dr. Guleria said that all with cold or cough symptoms do not require testing for covid.

“If your symptoms are light and you are otherwise healthy, you can stay at home and recover,” he said.

But if you have high fever, chest inconvenience, or not getting better, especially if you are elderly or have other diseases, you should test.

The test helps in choosing the right treatment, whether for flu or covid -19.

India is once again watching an increase in Kovid -19 cases, more serious illness in some areas and even fatal.

A senior Palmonologist at Medanta Hospital, Dr. Randeep Guleria has explained why this is happening and what we can do to save ourselves.

Stay home if you are ill

Even if you are young and healthy, it is important to avoid going to work or school if you are ill.

“It helps to break the chain of infection,” Dr. Guleria said. If you do positive tests for Covid-19, it is recommended to isolate for at least five days.

Dr. Guleria hopes that the current wave will continue for a while, before it slows down. While the disease remains light for most, it has urged everyone to be vigilant, especially high risk.

Infectious disease crisis

The expert also highlighted the need for increasing threats of infectious diseases and the need for better public health systems.

“We have seen many outbreaks in the last 25 years. We need strong monitoring and emergency plans to prepare for future health hazards,” Dr. Guleria said.

Even if you are young and healthy, it is important to avoid going to work or school if you are ill.

“It helps to break the chain of infection,” Dr. Guleria said. If you do positive tests for Covid-19, it is recommended to isolate for at least five days.

Dr. Guleria hopes that the current wave will continue for a while, before it slows down. While the disease remains light for most, it has urged everyone to be vigilant, especially high risk.