Doctors urge vigilance as Covid-19 cases rise in Andhra Pradesh

Senior doctors in Telangana have advised the public to remain alert as Covid-19 cases rise in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. They urged people with persistent symptoms to seek medical care early, follow Covid-appropriate precautions, and protect vulnerable groups from infection.

Hyderabad: With Covid-19 cases rising in Andhra Pradesh and inclement weather conditions prevalent in Hyderabad and districts, factors that are ideal for viral circulation, senior doctors have urged the general public to be vigilant about symptoms and not delay visiting a doctor if symptoms persist.

“It’s crucial for people to contact a qualified pulmonologist, immunologist or even general practitioner if symptoms persist for a couple of days. Unlike common cold or flu, a delay in Covid diagnosis can impact multiple organs and damage the body,” says senior immunologist, Dr Vyakaranam Nageswar.

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Currently, due to the unavailability of Covid-19 testing at Basthi Dawakhanas in urban centres and PHCs in rural areas, individuals cannot easily determine whether they have Covid or seasonal flu.

“Typically, with normal flu, individuals develop a bunch of symptoms like cough and fever all at once and fall sick. However, Covid is different because the symptoms show up gradually. It could start with fatigue, then on the second day, the person can develop a cough, later a sore throat and an escalating fever, etc. There is a distinct step-by-step pattern of escalation of symptoms,” he explained.

Physicians who managed the pandemic in the past have also urged people not to obsess over which Covid variant is causing the infection.

“People in general are often lax about etiquette. If you have symptoms, wear a mask, avoid public spaces, and do your best to limit the spread of the infection because Covid can spread through aerosols,” senior doctors from Gandhi Hospital said.

Some of the typical Covid symptoms that are being seen among patients are body pain, throat pain, fatigue, and then fever. “Even if a person recovers quickly from Covid, it leaves its signature by inflicting permanent damage to certain parts of the body like lungs, etc,” the senior immunologist said.

Covid precautions

Due to inclement weather, Covid can spread in Telangana from Andhra Pradesh

Inclement weather conditions are ideal for virus to proliferate

Unlike flu/ influenza, Covid-19 impacts multiple organs

Persons who have symptoms for more than two days must contact a doctor

People should not worry about Covid variants but can get Covid tested at private facilities

Individuals with symptoms must avoid public places, as they can spread the infection to others

Pregnant women and patients with comorbidities like kidney/ heart ailments must be extra cautious