COVID-19: Mass callousness driving Indias COVID surge, Health News, ET HealthWorld
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By Ritika Sakhuja
New Delhi: India is witnessing a rampant surge in viral infections at the moment. Today, the Union Health Ministry updated that India recorded 2,151 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the highest incidence since October 2022. Moreover, Bharati Pravin Pawar, Minister of State for Health informed the Rajya Sabha yesterday that 1,317 cases of H3N2 from January 1, 2023, to March 21, 2023, were recorded across India, according to information provided by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
This sudden spike in viral caseload is being attributed to seasonal changes by experts, who informed that viral infections peak during the months of March-April and September-October every year, as the pleasant weather between season transitions is the ideal weather for viruses to thrive. However, doctors informed ETHealthWorld that the lack of COVID-appropriate behaviour, overcrowding, and casual attitude of the masses is the actual culprit, as weather fluctuations differ massively across the vast expanse of the Indian mainland.
It is just the overpopulation. People don't wear masks anymore. There is an increase in crowding. This is how the disease started. Public immunity due to vaccination has also waned, said Dr Ashok K Rajput, Consultant, Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.
Another reason cited as the cause behind the current spike in COVID incidence is the new emerging XBB1.16 variant that was first detected in January 2023 in the country. Till now, a total of 610 cases of XBB1.16 have been detected across India, according to INSACOG data.
Speaking from Maharashtra where the incidence of XBB1.16 has been the highest till now, at 164 cases, as per INSACOG data, Dr Aklesh Tandekar, Head, Consultant Critical Care, Wockhardt hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai said, These COVID variants are going to keep emerging as COVID-19 has now become endemic. This new XBB variant is highly contagious as compared to the Delta strain, infecting around 15-20 people from a single source. However, the virulence of the XBB variant is far low, and is not expected to cause high mortality, but is a nuisance."
Recently, Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary chaired a high-level meeting stressing the need for increased testing with a higher proportion of RT-PCR and whole genome sequencing of positive samples. He also issued an advisory especially for Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, the six states reporting the highest number of COVID cases, to increase focus on district-level surveillance and micro cases.
In response, Dr J Anish Anand, Consultant Internal Medicine, Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills expressed that the ramped-up testing is one major reason why Telangana is recording far higher cases than other states. Doctors and hospitals are increasing the number of tests for COVID and influenza. There is an increased focus on genome sequencing in cases of COVID to note any new variants. Emergency teams are practising regular medical drills to prepare for any unexpected emergencies, he added.
Resonating Dr Tandekars message, Dr Dipu TS, Associate Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, Amrita Hospital, Kochi, responded, Its not like 200 cases are being witnessed every day in Kerala. The incidence is around one case in 10,000 to 20,000. The massive size and population of the state could be one reason for the higher number of COVID cases. Considering the seasonal pattern of influenza, COVID has also become just like any other respiratory infection. Every year we are going to see this kind of waves and dips in COVID cases as it has now become an endemic disease.
Amidst this surge in viral infections, The Indian Medical Association (IMA) issued a notice advising the masses to strictly avoid self-medication due to a lack of expert knowledge, stating that self-control and regulation need to be practised by all stakeholders.
Citing self-medication as another cause for this viral surge, Dr Sohini Sengupta, Medical Laboratory Director, Redcliffe Labs, stated that self-medication can lead to the emergence of resistant strains which can make it difficult to control outbreaks and pandemics. She continued, Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs do not target the root cause of the illness, and their use can mask the symptoms, leading to a delay in diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Moreover, OTC drugs can cause adverse reactions, especially in individuals with underlying medical conditions. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin can cause stomach ulcers, bleeding, and kidney damage if used for a prolonged period or in high doses.
Dr Rajput expressed, Instead of consulting a doctor, people go to the chemist who recommends some standard medication like azithromycin, cough syrup or paracetamol. So these people take the medication that alleviates symptoms and go on about doing their regular work, being a host for viruses, and causing a spread of infection among people around them.
He added, Either it is lack of awareness or simply crude selfishness. Either way, it is the atrocious and callous behaviour of the people that are causing these viral infections to spread like wildfire.
Experts suggested that the masses should accept that this surge in COVID cases might have become a norm already, and they should adopt COVID-appropriate measures as an essential part of their daily lives. The doctors informed that healthcare facilities are continuously monitoring the situation, with a diligent screening of H3N2 and XBB 1.16 to stay on top of this increasing viral load, and urged the Indian citizens to understand that their callousness could result in a debilitating health risk for the vulnerable members of the community.
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Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 2:43 pm