COVID-19 cases surge in India: Doctor warns these groups are at most risk

COVID-19 cases are rising again across India and the number of active cases has crossed the 4,000-mark. As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s latest data, the active COVID-19 cases have reached 4,026. The spike is steady, with Kerala leading the case count, followed by Maharashtra, Delhi and West Bengal. “Yes, India is seeing a gradual rise in COVID-19 cases,” said Dr. Diksha Goyal, Consultant – Internal Medicine at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram. “But overall, the number of deaths has been low, which is a good sign,” she added.

What’s behind the new spike?

Doctors say the recent surge is due to new Omicron sub-variants, including LF7, XFG, NB.1.8.1 and especially JN.1, which is currently being monitored closely by experts. The JN.1 variant is currently spreading fast across the country. “JN.1 spreads quickly and may be harder to catch early because of shorter incubation periods,” said Dr. Laxman Jessani, Consultant – Infectious Diseases at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai. “While it’s mild for most, people with weak immunity could face serious illness,” he further added.

Who is most at risk?

Doctors are clear that certain groups of people need to be extra careful during this rise in COVID cases:

1. Senior citizensPeople over the age of 60, especially those with other health issues, are more likely to face serious complications if infected.

2. People with pre-existing conditionsThis includes those with:

Lung problems (like asthma or COPD)
Diabetes
Heart disease
Kidney disorders
History of cancer or malignancies

“All fatal cases we’ve seen so far have been in patients who had underlying health issues,” said Dr. Goyal.

3. Children and people with weak immunityKids and people with weakened immune systems—like those on immunosuppressive medication—are also more vulnerable. “Even with mild variants, people whose immune systems are weak are at greater risk of complications,” said Dr. Jessani.

Common symptoms to watch out for

Most of the new COVID-19 cases are showing mild symptoms, but here’s what to look out for:

Low-grade fever
Sore throat or dry cough
Runny or stuffy nose
Body aches or fatigue
Headache
Mild shortness of breath
Diarrhoea (in some cases)
Loss of taste or smell (less common now)

Some people may experience symptoms faster than before, which makes early detection a bit more challenging.

What precautions should you take?

Even though most people are recovering well, doctors recommend not letting your guard down, especially in public places. “You don’t need a mask if you’re alone or in a safe space,” said Dr. Goyal. “But if you’re at a crowded market, railway station, or airport, masks are a must.”

Here’s what you can do: