2 dead as COVID-19 resurfaces in Andhra Pradesh: Doctor urges caution, not panic

The recent reporting of two COVID-19-related deaths and eight fresh cases in Andhra Pradesh's Kadapa district has sparked concerns about whether India could be heading towards another wave of infections.

Health experts, however, say there is no evidence at present to suggest a nationwide resurgence. Instead, the reported cases appear to be part of a localised cluster, something that can occur even after COVID-19 has transitioned into an endemic disease.

Is this the beginning of another COVID-19 wave?

According to Dr Shivaraj A L, Lead Consultant and Head of Pulmonology at Aster Whitefield Hospitals, Bengaluru, isolated outbreaks should not be mistaken for the start of another pandemic-like situation.

"While the recent deaths and cases understandably raise concerns, they cannot be interpreted as the beginning of another COVID-19 wave across India," he says. "The reported cases in Andhra Pradesh appear to belong to a localised cluster rather than indicating widespread community transmission."

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He explains that such clusters are expected from time to time because immunity wanes over the years, the virus continues to mutate, and increased testing often identifies cases that may otherwise have gone unnoticed.

Who is most at risk?

Although most healthy individuals now experience mild illness, certain groups remain vulnerable to severe disease.

These include:

-Adults aged 65 years and above

-People with diabetes

-Patients with heart disease

-Individuals with chronic lung disease

-People with kidney disorders

-Cancer patients

-Those with weakened immune systems

-Pregnant women

"For healthy individuals, COVID-19 is usually mild, especially if medical advice is sought early. However, vulnerable groups continue to face a higher risk of serious complications," says Dr Shivaraj.

COVID-19 is now endemic

Experts say the latest cases serve as a reminder that COVID-19 has not disappeared. Instead, it has become endemic, meaning occasional infections and small outbreaks are likely to continue.

"This is not a reason for panic or restrictions," Dr Shivaraj says. "It is, however, a reminder to remain vigilant and continue protecting vulnerable populations."

He adds that India now has stronger surveillance systems, genomic sequencing and disease reporting mechanisms to detect outbreaks early.

COVID-19 vs common cold: How are the symptoms different?

COVID-19 and seasonal viral infections often begin with similar symptoms, including:

-Fever

-Cough

-Sore throat

-Body aches

-Fatigue

However, COVID-19 can affect multiple organs and may sometimes present with symptoms that are less common in ordinary viral infections.

These include:

-Loss of taste or smell

-Persistent high fever

-Shortness of breath

-Extreme fatigue

While newer variants generally cause milder illness than earlier strains, serious disease can still occur in high-risk individuals.

When should you seek medical care?

Dr Shivaraj advises consulting a doctor immediately if symptoms:

-Persist beyond three to five days

-Become progressively worse

-Include breathlessness

-Cause chest pain

-Lead to confusion or excessive drowsiness

-Result in dehydration

-Are accompanied by oxygen saturation below 94%

People experiencing fever, persistent cough or sore throat should also avoid exposing others and get tested if recommended by their physician.

What precautions should people continue taking?

Dr Shivraj says the basic precautions that became familiar during the pandemic remain effective. These include:

-Washing hands regularly

-Following respiratory hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes

-Wearing a mask when unwell or in crowded healthcare settings

-Staying home when experiencing symptoms

-Taking recommended COVID-19 vaccine or booster doses, particularly for eligible high-risk individuals

"The focus today should be on preparedness rather than fear," says Dr Shivaraj. "Protecting vulnerable people and seeking timely medical care are far more important than worrying about another nationwide outbreak."