Early indications of an ongoing surge of Covid infections caused by the XBB 1.16 variant of the SARS-CoV-2, combined with influenza in multiple Indian states, including Telangana, indicate that the new variant is unlikely to cause a large wave of hospitalisations. According to senior doctors and public health experts here, there may be a minor increase in Covid infections, but this will not result in large-scale hospitalisations.
In Hyderabad, Covid infections and influenza cases have increased in recent weeks, but this has not resulted in an alarming increase in patients requiring critical ICU care and ventilator support.
Researchers following the spread of XBB 1.16 have already determined the new variant’s high transmissibility when compared to previous variants.
However, there is little evidence of its severity, given that there have been no Covid infection admissions in government teaching hospitals in Hyderabad or elsewhere.
“Despite rise in infections, there are no critical cases. The general public, however, should not let their guard down. All Covid and influenza patients are recovering but some of them are taking at least 10 to 15 days to fully recover. It’s always better to avoid morbidity or sickness from such ailments,” said Superintendent, Government Chest Hospital, Dr Mahabub Khan.
At Gandhi Hospital, the nodal Government Covid healthcare facility during earlier Covid waves, the hospitalizations due to Covid infections have remained minimal. Senior health officials said that so far there is no clear evidence to suggest that the new variant of SARS-CoV-2 is severe.
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Telangana sees a decline in Covid cases after last week’s surge
“A clear picture on the severity could perhaps emerge when the daily Covid infections start rising alarmingly. At present, however, even the daily Covid infections are under control. While it is too early to fully understand the impact of the new variant, early indications suggest that natural and vaccine-based immunity among people in Telangana is causing lesser hospitalizations,” senior health officials here said.
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Delhi, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh are among the major Indian states experiencing an increase in Covid infections. Despite no indications of severity, public health officials have urged the general public to be wary of the recent increase in Covid infections and to practise Covid-appropriate behaviour.
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