Seeing India hit record highs in Covid-19 cases every day has left a lot of people panicking and looking for advice on what to do if someone shows symptoms of the infection. Three of India’s best doctors—Dr Randeep Guleria, Dr Naresh Trehan and Dr Devi Shetty—provide answers to common queries and highlight the most important points that people must keep in mind amid the ongoing surge.
DR RANDEEP GULERIA, DIRECTOR, AIIMS-DELHI
More than 85% of Covid patients will recover without any specific treatment. Most will have symptoms like common cold, sore throat, etc. Over 5-7 days, they’ll recover with symptomatic treatment. Only 15% may advance to a moderate form of the disease.
Oxygen is a treatment, like a drug. Taking oxygen intermittently is an absolute waste of oxygen. There is no data that shows that this will be of any help to you and therefore you shouldn’t do it.
In healthy individuals with oxygen saturation of 93-94, there’s no need to take high flow oxygen just to maintain saturation at 98-99. It’s not going to be of any benefit. If it is less than 94, you need close monitoring, but you still may not need oxygen.
Do not consider Remdesivir to be a magic bullet. Most of us who are in home isolation or in the hospital don’t actually need any specific treatment. Only a small percentage requires Remdesivir.
In terms of the number of people who need oxygen and oxygen supply, we are well balanced. As a country, if we work together and use oxygen and Remdesivir judiciously, there will be no shortages anywhere.
The vaccine prevents you from getting the disease in the form of a severe illness. It may not prevent you from getting the infection. It is important to understand that even after taking the vaccine, we may get a positive report. That is why it is important to wear a mask even after the vaccine.
Cross-ventilation reduces the risk of infection in closed places. Don’t be in groups, whether any of you are positive or not.
DR NARESH TREHAN, CHAIRMAN AND MD, MEDANTA
Today we have enough oxygen, if we try to use it judiciously. I want to tell the public that if you don’t need oxygen, then don’t use it as a security blanket. Wasting oxygen will only lead to depriving someone who needs it.
We now have a protocol that Remdesivir is not to be given to everyone who tests positive. Only after doctors look at test results, symptoms and comorbidities of a patient, it can be given. Remdesivir isn’t a ‘Ram baan’; it only decreases the viral load in people who need it.
A lesser percentage of people require hospitalisation. Hospital beds should be utilised judiciously and responsibly. This responsibility rests on all of us.
DR DEVI SHETTY, CHAIRMAN, NARAYANA HEALTH
If you have any symptoms like body ache, cold, cough, indigestion and vomiting, I have one important message: get yourself tested for Covid-19. It is the most important thing.
In case you are positive, see a doctor and get his opinion. Do not panic; Covid-19 is common now. It is a problem that can be solved, provided you get medical help at an early stage and follow the doctor’s instructions.
There is a possibility that you may be asymptomatic. Doctors will tell you to stay at home, isolate yourself, wear a mask and check your oxygen saturation every six hours.
If your O2 saturation is above 94%, there is no problem. But if it is falling after exercise, you need to call a doctor. It’s important you get the right treatment at the right time.