CT scan and steroids: Not all COVID patients need them

Our country is still battling with the deadly second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. The total number of cases in the country have risen to over 2 crores. With the number of cases increasing and the medical facilities falling short, we all need to be careful in order to save ourselves from the deadly infection.

It is important to keep in mind that each individual might need different treatment depending on the severity of the infection. To make it easy for you, here are a few guidelines by the Indian Council of Medical Research.

The RT-PCR test should not be repeated on any individual who has tested positive for the virus.

No test should be done during discharge even for those who have been hospitalised for COVID treatment.

People who are travelling must follow all the COVID guidelines.

Many covid patients are consuming steroids without taking the severity of the infection into account. Doctors have warned against the indiscriminate use of steroids. As per experts, steroids when taken early can cause harm and should not be given indiscriminately. Large doses of steroids can also lead to fungal infections. The dose of steroid is dependent on your body weight, symptoms and many other factors and thus must not be consumed on your own.

The AIIMS director, Dr Randeep Guleria also said that steroids are not needed for mild illness. Steroids when taken in the early part of the infection can increase viral replication. Taking high doses of steroids can even lead to severe viral pneumonia, added Dr Guleria.

- One must undergo a CT if needed. CT scan is not required in the case of mild or no symptoms.

- Unnecessary CT scans can do more harm than good

- CT scans at younger age increase the risk of cancer in later life

- One CT scan = 300-400 X rays