How basic precautions, timely care can help keep high-risk individuals safe amid COVID-19 surge
Amid rising COVID-19 cases and fatalities, experts have advised that high-risk groups, including those above 65 years and people with comorbidities, such as diabetes, chronic lung or kidney disease, and heart conditions, need to be extra careful.
According to Dr Viny Kantroo, senior consultant, respiratory, critical care and sleep medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi, COVID-appropriate behaviour is essential for such people. This includes wearing a mask in crowded places, while traveling, or if you have respiratory symptoms, maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding touching your face, controlling chronic conditions like diabetes to avoid complications, and practising respiratory etiquette — sneezing or coughing into a tissue or your elbow.
India is witnessing a fresh uptick in coronavirus infections, with 4,866 active infections and seven recent deaths, including that of a five-month-old infant with cerebral palsy. While the surge deserves attention, medical experts emphasise that the current variants cause milder illness in most individuals.
The key to navigating this phase lies in awareness, adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviour, and timely care for vulnerable groups, says Dr Kantroo.
With around 28-30 patients currently hospitalised in Delhi, most admissions are precautionary or involve high-risk individuals. The majority of infections continue to be mild or moderate, and the healthcare system is well-prepared to handle such cases.
For those who test positive and have high-risk conditions, doctors may prescribe antiviral treatment like Paxlovid, ideally within five days of the onset of symptoms and after checking liver and kidney function.
High-risk groups remain most vulnerable to complications. You should be more vigilant if you fall in the following categories:
• Senior citizens (65+ years)
• Diabetics and those with heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease
• Immunocompromised individuals, including cancer and transplant patients and those on steroids or immunosuppressants
• Pregnant women with comorbidities
• People with a history of severe COVID infection
Seek early medical care if you experience:
• Shortness of breath
• Low oxygen saturation
• Persistent symptoms beyond seven days
• A fever that is not responding to treatment
As of now, booster vaccines are not recommended for the general population in India. There are no updated COVID-19 boosters available locally, and authorities like the World Health Organization (WHO) are still assessing the evolving behaviour of the virus. However, high-risk individuals should consult their physicians regarding preventive care, the focus should remain on overall health, masking, and early detection.
The current surge is driven by new Omicron sub-variants such as JN.1, NB.1.8.1, LF.7, and XFC, which have shown increased transmissibility but mostly mild symptoms. The WHO currently classifies these as 'Variants Under Monitoring' — not of concern yet, but requiring caution. These viruses are known for their ability to mutate, similar to influenza, which is why vigilance and seasonal updates remain relevant.
The current COVID-19 phase does not warrant panic, says Dr Kantroo, but calls for caution, preparedness, and responsible behaviour. Following basic health measures, staying updated, and seeking timely care can go a long way in keeping ourselves and our communities safe.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Maharashtra reports 37 new COVID-19 cases
Maharashtra recorded 37 new coronavirus positive cases on Saturday, taking its overall infection count since January this year to 2,318, the health department said. No fresh fatality linked to the disease has been reported since Thursday. Of the new cases, 19 are in Mumbai, seven in Pune, five in Nagpur, two in Thane city and one each in Panvel, Sangli city as well the district's rural parts, and Akola city, an official statement said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Don't Miss The Top Packaging Trends Of 2024, Enhnace Your Brand With The Latest Insights Packaging Machines | Search Ads Search Now Undo The health department has conducted 25,199 COVID-19 tests across the state since January this year, it said, adding a total of 1,962 patients have recovered so far. Mumbai has reported 942 infection cases this year, including 501 in June and 435 in May, it said. Live Events Thirty-two patients have succumbed to the infection in the state since January, of whom 31 had comorbidities and one was suffering from other diseases.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
British woman dies after an innocent-looking puppy scratch in Morocco
A 59-year-old British woman has passed away after contracting rabies from what appeared to be an innocuous scratch by a stray puppy while on holiday in Morocco last year. The case is the UK's first travel-acquired rabies death since 2018 and prompted urgent reminders about the dangers of animal contact overseas by health officials. The Barnsley woman, Yvonne Ford, was scratched by a stray puppy in February 2025. Thinking it was only a minor cut, she didn't have it treated immediately. But weeks later, in early June, she started suffering from serious neurological symptoms such as headache, paralysis, and the inability to speak, swallow, or sleep. Even hospitalization and medical treatment in the UK could not save Ford, who died on June 11 due to the infection. Rabies is a viral infection that is nearly always terminal once symptoms appear but is completely preventable if treated quickly after exposure. There is no risk to the general public, but all who may have had contact with Ford including medical staff are being offered post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as a precaution, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) states. PEP involves a course of rabies vaccines, which, if given early, are almost 100% effective at preventing the disease. "These are tragic circumstances and a stark reminder of the risks of rabies in some regions of the world," added UKHSA's Dr. Katherine Russell. "If you have been bitten, scratched, or licked by an animal from a place where rabies exists, it's crucial to wash the wound thoroughly and get immediate medical attention." she added. Rabies is prevalent in most countries in Asia and Africa, including Morocco. It is most commonly spread through the saliva of infected animals by bites or scratches. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that rabies kills about 59,000 people annually across the world, and 99% of human cases are caused by dog exposure. Yvonne Ford's case mirrors a similar tragedy from 2018, when another British citizen died after being bitten by a rabid cat in Morocco. All rabies deaths in the UK since 2000 have involved infections acquired while traveling overseas. Health officials are advising travelers to rabies-endemic areas to keep away from stray or unknown animals. In some instances, particularly for individuals staying in rural areas for prolonged periods or working intensely with animals,pre-exposure vaccination is advisable prior to travel. They also emphasize that even the slightest wounds, such as a scratch, can be lethal if they are not treated. Travellers are advised to clean any animal-related wound at once with soap and water for a minimum of 15 minutes and immediately get urgent medical attention for examination and potential rabies vaccination. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says Avoid contact with wild or stray animals: Keep your distance from wildlife and stray dogs or cats, whether at home or abroad In the U.S. rabies is rare, but it remains widespread elsewhere; always check whether dogs or wildlife carry rabies at your destination. Vaccinate pets regularly: Ensure household pets stay up to date on rabies shots Many countries require imported dogs to be vaccinated and microchipped. Clean wounds immediately: Any bite or scratch from an animal, even a minor one, should be washed thoroughly for 15 minutes with soap and water. Vaccination: Pre-exposure Recommended for those working with animals or traveling to regions with limited medical care. Usually a 2-dose series, under CDC's ACIP guidelines, simplified from the older 3-dose method. After exposure: Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) Clean the wound thoroughly Administer human rabies immune globulin Start the rabies vaccine series (4 doses over 14 days for those previously unvaccinated, 2 doses for those previously vaccinated). Remember, prevention is better than cure. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Economic Times
8 hours ago
- Economic Times
Hong Kong medical expert recommends annual Covid-19 and flu vaccinations for high-risk groups
Professor David Hui urges annual Covid-19 and influenza vaccinations for Hong Kong's high-risk groups, citing the cyclical nature of outbreaks and the need for preventive healthcare David Hui Shu-cheong, professor of respiratory medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, has urged that vulnerable groups in Hong Kong receive Covid-19 vaccinations annually. Speaking on Saturday, June 21, Hui noted that outbreaks are expected to recur every six to nine months due to declining antibody levels in the population.'The current outbreak started in April, peaked at the end of May and is now beginning to subside,' Hui said during a radio interview. He estimated that the present wave may end by July or August. Also read: The pandemic isn't over: New COVID cases are on the rise in Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and other Sout Hui emphasized that high-risk groups, including individuals with chronic illnesses, children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, face greater risks of severe complications, such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, or even death, if infected. Authorities have confirmed six severe pediatric Covid-19 cases so far in 2025, with no fatalities reported. Two of the children had pre-existing conditions, and four had not received Covid-19 vaccinations. 'As a new outbreak will come back every year, I would advise the high-risk groups to get jabbed at least once every year against the infections,' Hui said. He added that because Covid-19 symptoms often resemble those of seasonal influenza, individuals showing respiratory symptoms should use rapid antigen tests immediately. Early detection allows for timely treatment, which can help prevent complications. In addition to Covid-19 vaccines, Hui recommended annual influenza vaccinations for high-risk individuals. He referenced a recent cluster of influenza A cases at a primary school in Sham Shui Po, involving 46 people, 41 male students aged 7 to 10 and five staff members. Also read: What international travellers should know amidst rising Covid-19 cases Of the infected, 41 sought medical care and three required hospitalization. All cases were mild. Hui attributed the cluster to poor ventilation and inadequate sanitation of shared classroom items.'Influenza vaccines have been used for many years with extremely low side effects, mainly minor redness and swelling at the injection site,' he said. 'Parents should arrange for their young children to receive the flu vaccines to reduce infection risks.'He warned that Hong Kong's summer flu season typically spans half the summer, usually from July to August. The vaccination rate among children aged six months to two years remains low, with only 27 per cent vaccinated. Professor David Hui of the Chinese University of Hong Kong recommends annual Covid-19 and influenza vaccinations for vulnerable populations, citing recurring outbreaks every six to nine months. He warns that chronically ill individuals, children, and the elderly remain at risk of serious complications without regular immunization and timely testing and treatment Hong Kong medical expert recommends annual Covid-19 and flu vaccinations for high-risk groups Hui concluded by stressing the importance of immunization for reducing public health risks amid ongoing viral transmission cycles.
