1,805 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
The number of COVID cases had hit an all-time low in the past few months until the emergence of XBB's variant XBB 1.16. Flu cases have also been increasing in the last few months with symptoms similar to COVID and common cold.
With things going back to normal and COVID rules eased it is imperative to know the symptoms associated with the new variant of the COVID and what should be done to prevent it.
We spoke to Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Grover, Head of critical care & Pulmonology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram on the recent surge in COVID cases, whether the symptoms have changed and what people should take care of.
Is there any change in the pattern of COVID symptoms seen these days?
"While there have been reports of new COVID variants, the COVID symptoms have been the same more or less recently with no new symptoms to watch out for the general public," says Dr Grover.
"But there has been a rise in the number of flu cases due to seasonal changes which have caused a state of panic due to the symptoms being similar to COVID. Thus, it is still important for the general public to stay vigilant and protect themselves by following the COVID preventive measures like masking, washing hands frequently, and limiting traveling when sick," he advises.
"After exposure to the virus, COVID-19 symptoms usually appear within a range of 2 to 14 days, whereas flu symptoms can manifest as early as 1 day or up to 4 days later," the expert says in view of prevalence of both viral infections.
What are the common symptoms being reported?
"The most common symptoms of COVID include fever, cough, and fatigue along with other symptoms like shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing, body ache and muscle pain, sore throat, running nose, chest pain, and headaches, to name a few," he says on the symptoms which are seen these days.
"The symptoms are quite similar to the influenza virus which has also caused misconceptions and confusion among people," adds Dr Grover.
Are the vaccines still effective?
Amid rising cases of COVID, among people a large chunk of which is already vaccinated, a question arises: are vaccines effective against XBB 1.16 variant?
"The majority of Indians have taken at least two doses of the COVID vaccines, COVISHIELD and COVAXIN, which are available in India. As a result, antibodies are now present in their bodies and their immunity has increased to tackle any new strains of this contagious virus. To increase immunity and lower the risk of infection, it is still recommended that everyone must take the third dose (booster dose / precautionary dose) of the vaccine as a preventive measure," Dr Grover adds.
Do people need a fourth vaccine?
While in India there is only a precautionary dose, in several countries the governments are administering 4 doses of COVID vaccine in total which includes two primary doses and two booster doses. Emergence of a new variant makes the confusion around the necessity of a fourth vaccine more visible.
"Based on the current scientific knowledge and research, there is currently no need for a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for the general population. Our body's immune system has already started developing antibodies after the initial vaccination, which helps in combating COVID-19 and its variants," says Dr Grover.
Precautionary measures
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