The COVID-19 virus is slowly seeping back into the public health landscape, with cases all over India moving beyond the 7,000 mark. Top hospitals across the national capital are witnessing a significant surge in the outpatient department (OPD) visits, which many doctors have linked to active COVID-19 cases across the country
With an increase of 66 cases in a single day, Delhi’s total case load now stands at 757. Kerala is the worst-hit state with over 2,000 active cases. Gujarat follows with more than 1,000 cases, while West Bengal has the third-highest count at 747 active cases. Since January of this year, a total of 68 COVID-19-related deaths have been reported across India.
In Delhi, 42 cases were added just yesterday. Since January of this year, the Union Territory has recorded a total of 1,232 cases that have resulted in recovery, discharge, or migration. The capital has also reported eight deaths during the same period.
High OPD visits indicate the virus is spreading fast
A doctor from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, who also runs a private clinic, told FinancialExpress.com that there has been a combined surge of approximately 40-50% in OPD consultations. Medanta and Fortis have reported an increase of 16-20% and 6-7%, respectively, FinancialExpress.com has learnt. Comparing this to data from around the same time last year, most hospitals are seeing two to three times the number of OPD footfalls.
This year’s significant increase in OPD visits highlights a potential underreporting of cases, driven by limited detection infrastructure or patient unwillingness to get tested. In contrast, Kerala’s advanced healthcare policies ensure the highest testing rates, which is why it consistently leads with higher reported case numbers.
Doctors call the rise in current active cases a concern
Highlighting that rise in OPD cases is unusual and could be linked to COVID-19, Dr Ashok Kumar Peepliwal, Professor
IIHMR University, said that respiratory drug prescriptions rise sharply only after July until November.
“An uptick in OPD visits during the pre-monsoon and monsoon periods is not uncommon. Seasonal factors like fluctuating temperatures, high humidity, an increase in vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria and respiratory infections lead to patients seeking outpatient care. However, a spike may warrant a closer epidemiological scrutiny to rule out outbreaks, including COVID-19,” Dr Bibhu Anand, Co-Chairman FIAMA (Federation of All India Medical Association) said.
Another medico, Dr Shweta Srivastava, confirmed the “surge in OPD cases is unusually high compared to the previous year”.
Dr Anand, who is also a part of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, warned that “current active cases do raise a concern”, adding that the current strains are “more transmissible” but cause “milder illnesses in vaccinated individuals”.
‘New variant has partial immune evasion’
Although the sub-variants which have been infecting individuals are highly transmissible, they are less fatal.
Dr Srivastava added, “The recent surge is primarily attributed to the emergence of new Omicron subvariants, notably NB.1.8.1, JN.1, and LF.7. These variants are characterised by heightened transmissibility and partial immune evasion. However, they have not shown any significant increase in virulence, with most cases remaining mild.”
“The new variant has partial immune evasion and is less severe than previous strains,” Dr Sweatha Kumar, associated with Rela Hospital, said, before adding, “There is an increase in hospital admissions among immunocompromised individuals.”
“NB.1.8.1 has been identified in over 20 countries, contributing to rising case counts not only in India but also across Southeast Asia, the US, and China,” Dr Peepliwal added.
Flu like symptoms – low grade fever, hoarse voice and dry cough
Similar to recent times, the symptoms resemble “flu or allergies”. Dr Anand divided the symptoms into three parts – prominent, less frequent and GI symptoms.
“More prominent symptoms: Sore throat, dry cough, nasal congestion, fatigue, low-grade fever. Less frequent symptoms: Loss of smell or taste, which were common with earlier variants. GI symptoms: Some patients report mild diarrhoea or nausea,” he said.
Apart from this, common symptoms include hoarseness of voice, myalgia, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Dr Srivastava said that most of these symptoms go away within five to seven days, but their onset appears to be faster, often within 1-3 days of exposure.
When to seek medical care?
Dr Kumar said, “Do not ignore breathlessness or chest pain, persistent high fever (>102°F for more than 3 days), confusion, bluish lips or face, or low oxygen saturation (<94%) and weakness or dehydration, especially in the elderly and children.”
Children, elderly, and patients with comorbidities most vulnerable
Pregnant women, the elderly and patients with chronic illnesses are among the most vulnerable groups and should take precautions.
One should also practice social distancing and self-isolate if symptoms develop, added Dr Kumar.
Dr Anand also said that booster vaccination is advisable for healthcare workers, those who are 60 or above, and people with comorbidities. Anyone who received their last COVID-19 shot more than nine months ago should consider getting a booster dose.