Knock – Knock… It’s Virus Again!

Just when we thought we could relax and regain the reins of our lives from the infamous Coronavirus, there has been a resurgence of the Covid-19 infection. Named officially as XBB.1.16 on March 5, this sub-variant is highly contagious and spreads rapidly.

According to paediatricians, conjunctivitis also referred to as ‘pink eye’, is being observed commonly among children affected by the Coronavirus over the past few weeks. Other symptoms include body aches and weakness which can persist for days.

In adults, the usual symptoms are:

• severe throat infection
• sinusitis
• runny nose
• muscle pain
• extreme weakness
• Loss of appetite
• spiking blood sugars in pre-diabetics/diabetics
  The good news is that the disease is self-limiting. Most patients, be it children or adults, tend to recover on their own with only symptomatic treatment, a good level of hydration and rest. There is no need for any specific medication or need for hospitalisation.
  Until the virus wears itself out, we must resort to Covid appropriate behaviour such as hand hygiene, masking and keeping a reasonable distance of at least 6 feet (2 Gaj) from others.

by Dr Savita Nagpal (B-86, 9818570658)