Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Jul 21: Four people are currently undergoing treatment for Covid-19 at private hospitals in Kolkata, including a 10-year-old boy, as doctors report a gradual rise in coronavirus and seasonal viral infections.
Three Covid-19 patients have been admitted to one private hospital in the city. According to Dr. Subhajit Sen, Consultant Pulmonologist and Critical Care Specialist, one patient has recovered and is being discharged, while two others who required intensive care after experiencing low oxygen levels have responded well to treatment and are now in stable condition.
Dr. Sen said hospitals are witnessing an increase in seasonal viral illnesses, particularly influenza and Covid-19. He noted that the current infections largely resemble the Omicron variant, with most patients reporting mild symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough and body aches.
However, he cautioned that elderly individuals and those with pre-existing medical conditions remain more vulnerable to severe illness and should seek timely medical attention if symptoms worsen.
The doctor urged the public not to panic, stressing that most patients recover with appropriate treatment. He advised people to continue following basic preventive measures, including wearing masks in crowded places, maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding unnecessary gatherings during periods of increased transmission and consulting doctors promptly if symptoms become severe.
Earlier, on July 18, a 10-year-old boy from Kolkata's Garia area was admitted to another private hospital after developing fever, cough and breathing difficulties. A Covid-19 test confirmed the infection, following which he was shifted to the intensive care unit's isolation ward for treatment.
The cases come amid reports of a gradual rise in Covid-19 infections in several parts of the country.
In Andhra Pradesh, 12 Covid-19 cases were reported between June 26 and July 16, while four patients with underlying health conditions reportedly died during the same period.
Health authorities have also noted a fresh increase in coronavirus cases in Pune, where new infections have been detected over the past 10 days after nearly three years. Doctors there have said that most patients are experiencing only mild symptoms but have advised the public to remain cautious and continue observing preventive measures.