Covid Third Wave in India: Home isolation guidelines for mild cases and 7 updates
India reported 2,38,018 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours as per Health Ministry data. The rapidly spreading Omicron variant has infected a total of 8,891 cases in India so far, according to the data available.
The countrywide Covid positivity rate has dropped from 19.65% to 14.43%.
Here are 7 latest updates on Covid in India:
1. 2.38 LAKH NEW CASES
Covid cases continue to rise in India. However, the overall positivity rate is lower than yesterday; that is, 14.43%. With an increase of 8.21% since yesterday, the Omicron tally has now jumped to 8,891 in India. The country logged 2,38,018 new Covid-19 cases and 310 deaths over the past 24 hours.
#Unite2FightCorona#LargestVaccineDrive#OmicronVariant ????? ?????https://t.co/F4Sgi4ovre pic.twitter.com/chLqBFSCgN
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) January 18, 2022
2. USE STEROIDS CONSCIOUSLY
The recent guidelines have highlighted concern over misuse or overuse of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory therapy such as steroids. During the Covid second wave, excessive use of steroids led to a rise in black fungus cases. Therefore, the Health Ministry has advised not to use steroids too early, at higher doses or longer than required.
3. ISOLATE AT HOME IF INFECTION IS MILD
Upper respiratory symptoms and/or fever without breathing difficulty should be considered as mild infection as per the latest government guidelines.
If you experience these symptoms, follow self-isolation at home and stay in constant touch with your doctor.
It is also important to check temperature and oxygen levels regularly.
One should seek immediate medical help if there is a high-grade fever, difficulty in breathing or severe cough lasting more than 5 days.
4. WARD ADMISSION FOR MODERATE INFECTIONS
If the patient experiences Covid symptoms plus breathlessness with a reparatory rate more than or equal to 24 per minute, the infection is moderate.
If you are checking at home: When SpO2 levels are between 90% and 93% on your oximeter, the infection is moderate.
During a moderate infection, admission in a ward is recommended by the government.
5. HDU/ICU ADMISSION FOR SEVERE INFECTIONS
If the reparatory rate is more than or equal to 30 per minute, the infection is severe.
If you are checking at home: SpO2 levels less than 90% on your oximeter indicate a severe infection.
During a severe infection, admission in HDU or ICU is recommended by the government.
6. WEST BENGAL REPORTS LESS THAN 10,000 COVID CASES
According to the Health Ministry data, West Bengal reported less than 10,000 cases yesterday after 12 days. The state reported a total of 9,385 cases on Monday.
7. 70% OF COVID DEATHS IN GOA ARE OF UNVACCINATED INDIVIDUALS
In the past eight days, 18 out of the 26 deaths in Goa are of unvaccinated people. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the state government will enhance vaccination drive, and district collectors will monitor patients isolated at home.
It is vital to watch out for Covid symptoms. Timely treatment and right precautions can help manage the symptoms at home. Do not self-medicate and check with your doctor to clear doubts. Till then, stay safe, vaccinate and mask up.