Medical experts advise people to be careful between December-February

BENGALURU: In the light of the sudden spurt of Covid cases in some other countries, hospitals in Bengaluru are preparing to set up well-equipped isolation rooms, beds and ICUs for Covid patients. At the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases, more than 200 beds have been set aside for Covid-19 treatment.

Dr Nagaraj, director of Rajiv Gandhi Institute said, “We have seen the devastation wreaked in first, second and third waves since 2020. Elders, who are above 60 years, people with comorbities, those who chronic lungs diseases and hypertension should be very careful. They should not be travel unnecessarily and should not go to crowded places. According to government data only 20-25 per cent of people have taken the precautionary dose. It is better to take it as early as possible. Experience tells us that the the peak will start after two-three months. For the last few months, people have almost forgotten wearing mask. They should follow government directives for the sake of their health”.

Dr Nagaraj said there is no need to panic, but people should follow Covid-appropriate behaviour.

Nagaraj further added, “Medical experts have expressed concern over rise in viral infections, fever and cold from December to February. Thus, people have to take care of their health. There is no need to panic, but we should not invite danger. Everyone should be careful during the New Year celebration and follow Covid-appropriate behaviour”.

Dr Manjunath, director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, said, “Covid cases in China did not decline, it only continued and transformed as three, four waves. There is hybrid immunity in our country. More than 95 per cent of the people have taken their second dose. However, in China, the rate of Covid infection has not decreased significantly. Similar is the case in the United States. So far, 30-40 per cent of Republican voters have not taken the vaccination. If there is less efficacy and improper vaccination, the rate of infection will increase. When infection rates are high, the virus will be transform to another variant of Covid”, he explained.

Dr Manjunath, director of Jayadeva Institute said the viral flu and cold rise from December to February and it is common.

He further said, “If we test 100 people for normal viral fever, we will get 99 per cent negative results for Covid-19. People need not panic, but should take care of their health and remain watchful. All should wear masks in high-risk zones such as hospitals, ICU, offices. The situation should be reviewed once in a week or once in two weeks”.

“We had no proper information about Covid during the first and second waves. We were a little confused with its symptoms and treatment protocols. But now all physicians are aware and we have better capacities for testing and treatment in priavte as well as government hospitals”, he said.

“Respiratory infections, common flu and cold usually increase from December to February. Looking at the China scenario, it is too early to take a decision in India”, he added.