Since December 12, 2020, more than 285 HCWs and doctors at the institute are Covid positive, with a high number of infections reported December 26 onwards
ections reported December 26 onwards. While most are double vaccinated, a few are not vaccinated, with a couple having received only a single dose.
Dr PVM Lakshmi, Professor, Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGI says that till now the infections have been mild and while they will cause a burden on the health care system, she hopes they will tide over the crisis. “The isolation last time was ten days, and now it is seven days, so that will also help. All across the country, vaccination is protecting from severe disease and hospitalisation. It is is a good sign,” says Prof Lakshmi. The vaccination of children and protection dose for seniors and those with comorbidities she adds, is also vital.
In unvaccinated or partly vaccinated, Omicron can be severe’
Prof Rakesh Kochhar former head, gastroenterology, PGI says that Omicron cases are increasing because it is more transmissible. Though it leads to mild disease, says Prof Kochhar, in the unvaccinated, partly vaccinated, elderly or people with comorbidities, it can be severe
In the USA, hospitals are getting unvaccinated and children for admission. There are 15-20 crore people in India who have skipped the second dose. Booster helps in preventing severe disease. There could be a more sinister variant in future. As long as Covid finds susceptible (unvaccinated) hosts, it will multiply and this increases chances of more mutations. Get full vaccination and if available get a booster. Yes, the Omicron variant evades immunity offered by vaccines more than Delta. Still, fully vaccinated are better protected against hospitalisation. And with booster, that protection rises,” he added. As for the rising number of cases among HCWs, the doctor says that the numbers will increase rapidly, and that can cause a strain on testing and hospitals besides panic. He agrees that as doctors and nurses get infected, they will go off work, causing shortages in hospitals. “Don’t ignore mild symptoms, get tested and isolate from family,” advises Prof Kochhar.
What are asymptomatic cases/mild cases of coronavirus
The asymptomatic cases are lab-confirmed cases who are not experiencing any symptoms.
Patients have oxygen saturation at room air of more than 93%.
Clinically assigned mild cases are patients with upper respiratory tract symptoms with or without fever, without shortness of breath and having oxygen saturation at room air of more than 93%.
Who are eligible for home isolation
The patient should be clinically assigned as mild/ asymptomatic case by the treating medical officer.
Such cases should have the requisite facility at their residence for self-isolation and for quarantining the family contacts.
A caregiver (ideally someone
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Patient must take rest and drink lot of fluids to maintain adequate hydration.
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Follow respiratory etiquettes at all times.
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Undertake frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 40 seconds or clean with alcohol-based sanitizer.
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The patients shall not share personal items including utensils with other people in the household.
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Need to ensure cleaning of frequently touched surfaces in the room (tabletops, doorknobs, handles, etc.) with soap/detergent & water.
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The cleaning can be undertaken either by the patient or the caregiver duly following required precautions such as use of masks and gloves.
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Self-monitoring of blood oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter for the patient is advised.
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The patient shall self-monitor his/her health with daily
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