According to Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday, India recorded 12,591 new COVID cases in a day, the highest in around eight months, PTI reported. Further, the active case burden increased to 65,286.
As per the data updated at 8 am, the death toll has also increased to 5,31,230 with 40 fatalities, which includes 11 reconciled by Kerala. The total tally of COVID cases was recorded at 4.48 crore.
Why are cases on a rise?
Medical experts say the new XBB.1.16 variant of the virus could be driving the surge. In India, XBB.1.16 or Arcturus has replaced other variants, as per a WHO report.
XBB.1.16 variant, is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant. The new XBB1.16 variant is able to evade the immune system of people, as per medical experts.
Common symptoms to not ignore
Currently, the dominant COVID symptoms are similar to those of previous variants. These include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Running nose
- Cough
- Body ache
- Myalgia (muscle pain or aches)
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
Symptoms in severe COVID cases
According to health experts, those getting a serious COVID infection can develop troubling symptoms like:
- Shortness of breath
- Low oxygen saturation
- Respiratory distress
Not a panic-like situation yet
Former director of AIIMS, Delhi, Dr Randeep Guleria, said even though the country is seeing a fresh surge in COVID-19 infections, the situation is not one to panic.
"Covid-19 cases have been on the rise across the country. But the majority of the infections are mild. The rate of hospitalisation hasn't gone up either. It's not a panic-like situation yet," Guleria told ANI.
Preventive measures to avoid getting infected
Following guidelines are shares by he World Health Organization to help you protect yourself from getting infected:
- Keep a physical distance of at least 1 meter from others, even if they don’t appear to be sick. Avoid crowds and close contact.
- Wear a properly fitted mask when physical distancing is not possible and in poorly ventilated settings.
- Clean your hands frequently with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of used tissues immediately and clean hands regularly.
- If you develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, self-isolate until you recover.