‘Transmissibility high, current Cov strain may be more dangerous for elderly, kids’

Kolkata: Small Covid surges may continue to recur for some more years, and even though they may not cause virulent infections, transmissibility could be high, putting the elderly and children at risk, said doctors and experts in Kolkata. Those with comorbidities were particularly vulnerable now since the seemingly innocuous cough-and-cold that the prevailing strain has been triggering may transform into fatal pneumonia for those above 65, they warned.Most Covid positives in Kolkata are elderly with comorbidities, and children, with several suffering from respiratory diseases. Those with diabetes, COPD, cardiac diseases, or chronic kidney ailments were at risk, said CMRI Hospital pulmonology director Raja Dhar. "Typically, these patients are above 65 and have lower immunity. So, if a member of the family has Covid, which may not trigger symptoms more severe than a cough and a runny nose, the elders need to be isolated. For those with comorbidities, even this mild infection could be fatal," he said.Charnock Hospital is assessing the situation to stay "prepared for any potential escalation", though none has yet tested positive at the hospital. "So far, it seems the strain is a variant of Omicron that triggers mild symptoms like flu. We haven't yet seen the typical Covid pneumonia, though several have had respiratory symptoms. Those with lower immunity, and kids must be careful," said Charnock pulmonologist Soumya Sengupta.The hospital has revived the use of hand sanitisers and masks on its premises and is in the process of setting up isolation wards and ICU beds. The emergency department has started screening patients.BP Poddar Hospital has expanded its patients' waiting area to minimise crowding, and is planning to reinstate its isolation ward. "The currently circulating variant poses a significant risk to those with comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, chronic lung or kidney disease, or weakened immunity," said Rajdip Sen, consultant physician at BP Poddar Hospital.Elderly people with multiple comorbidities are immunosuppressed and should use masks, continue daily medications, and maintain hand hygiene, said ILS Hospital pulmonologist Mrinmoy Mitra. "If those with chronic lung diseases develop fever, cough, breathlessness, wheezing, or chest tightness, they should consult a pulmonologist," he said. It is time to revisit vaccines and check if the ones used during Covid remain effective, said Dhar, adding: "There is no reason to panic but keep your guards up."