Covid cases are climbing in parts of India: Should you be worried?

[00:00:00]covid-19 cases have begun rising again in parts of India. Several states have reported fresh infections prompting health authorities to step up monitoring. But does this mean India is heading towards another COVID wave? Here is what we know so far.

[00:00:15]Andhra Pradesh has reported 12 COVID 19 cases [music] between 26th June and 16th July. Nationally, India has reported 339 COVID 19 cases since 1st July. Among the states, Kerala has recorded the highest number with 115 cases [music] followed by Karnataka with 64, Maharashtra with 43 and Tamil Nadu with 39. According to the Andhra Pradesh Health Department, there is no cluster outbreak, meaning there isn't a single hot spot driving infections. The state's 12 cases have been reported across Kadapa, Gour, Rishaka, Patnham and Kakinada.

[00:00:54]Andhra Pradesh has also reported four deaths. Health officials say all four patients had serious [music] underlying medical conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease.

[00:01:05]So far, officials have not linked the [music] deaths to a more severe COVID variant. To identify the virus responsible for these infections, the state has sent five patient samples to the [music] National Institute of Viology in Pune for genome sequencing.

[00:01:20]The results are still awaited. Health experts say that recent CO infections reported globally have largely been linked to Omicron subvariants which have generally been associated with milder illness.

[00:01:34]For now, health authorities [music] say there is no reason to panic. Experts say CO 19 has now become an endemic respiratory virus. [music] In other words, it hasn't disappeared. It continues to circulate and may cause periodic increases in cases much like other seasonal respiratory infections.

[00:01:52]Unlike the earlier years of the pandemic, most people today have some level of protection from vaccination, previous infection or both. That has significantly reduced the risk [music] of severe disease for the majority of people. At present, health authorities say there is no indication of a large nationwide COVID wave.

[00:02:12]Doctors say older adults, pregnant women, and people with diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or weakened immunity remain at higher risk of severe illness. If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, or sore throat, avoid close contact with vulnerable family members and seek medical advice if your symptoms worsen. You should also watch for warning signs such as breathlessness, persistent high fever, or chest pain, which require prompt medical attention. COVID 19 hasn't [music] gone away, but neither do the current numbers suggest a return to the kind of nationwide [music] waves seen in previous years. For now, health authorities are advising people to stay informed, take sensible precautions if they develop symptoms, and remain specially careful around those who are most vulnerable. Follow Business Standard for more stories.