Three years after the Covid virus was first detected in India, the number of Covid cases is rising in the country yet again, most likely due to the newly detected Covid XBB 1.16 variant of the virus, which has the highest number of cases in India.
According to experts, the number of Covid XBB 1.16 variant cases detected in India is the highest, while the second highest number of cases have been detected in the United States. Many are speculating that this new subtype of coronavirus might lead to a fresh wave of the pandemic.
India saw a single-day rise of more than 1,000 fresh Covid-19 cases after 129 days, while the active cases increased to 5,915, according to the Union health ministry data updated on Sunday. It is likely that the spike in the cases is due to the Covid XBB 1.16 variant.
A total of 1,071 fresh cases were reported in the county in a span of 24 hours, while the death toll increased to 5,30,802 with three latest fatalities — one each reported in Rajasthan and Maharashtra and one reconciled in Kerala.
As per experts, the rise in Covid cases is happening most likely due to newly-detected Covid XBB 1.16 variant . The XBB 1.16 variant was first identified in January when two samples tested positive, and in February, a total of 59 samples were found. So far in March, 15 more samples of the variant have been detected. As per the initial research, the Covid XBB 1.16 variant is the fastest-spreading Covid subtype detected till now and can multiply at an alarming rate. However, not a single death has been reported due to Covid XBB across the globe.
As of now, there is little to no difference between the symptoms of Covid XBB 1.16 and XBB 1.15. The symptoms of this variant include fever, sore throat, cold, headache, body aches, and fatigue. It also might impact your digestive system and respiratory system.
Revised guidelines for Covid-19
ANI: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued revised guidelines for Covid-19 in the wake of the surge of cases in the past week across the country.
“Antibiotics should not be used unless there is clinical suspicion of bacterial infection. The possibility of coinfection of COVID-19 with other endemic infections must be considered. Systemic corticosteroids are not indicated in mild disease,” revised guidelines said.
It further urged all to maintain “Physical distancing, indoor mask use, hand hygiene, Symptomatic management (hydration, anti-pyretics, antitussive) Monitor temperature and oxygen saturation (by applying a SpO probe to fingers) Stay in contact with treating physician.
“Seek immediate medical attention if difficulty breathing, High-grade fever/ severe cough, particularly if lasting for more than 5 days. A low threshold is to be kept for those with any of the high-risk features,” guidelines discussed and prepared in January said.
Additionally, in moderate or severe diseases at high risk of progression, the guidelines recommend, “Consider Remdesivir for up to 5 days (200 mg IV on day 1 followed by 100 mg IV OD for the next 4 days)”.
The Ministry on Thursday noted that there were few States reporting higher number of cases indicating the possible localized spread of infection and there was a need to follow a risk assessment-based approach to prevent and contain the infection, without losing the gains made so far in the fight against the pandemic.
