As India is soaring under the second wave of coronavirus, AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria on Sunday while addressing issues related to coronavirus said that there is no need to panic as covid is a mild disease, Chairman of Medanta Dr Naresh Trehan, Professor and Head of Department of Medicine AIIMS Dr Naveet Wig and Director General Health Services Dr Sunil Kumar were also present.
He said that the positivity rate can be brought down to less than 5% in India in the next three weeks if everyone takes responsibility and follow Covid appropriate behaviour.
"If we talk about the current situation of COVID-19, there is panic in public. Due to this panic, people are putting injections in their houses, hoarding of the Remdesivir drug and oxygen cylinder has started with this. And because of this, we are facing a shortage of supply and unnecessary panic is being created," Mr Guleria said.
He further added, "The COVID-19 infection is normal. 85 to 90 per cent of people are witnessing normal symptoms like fever, cold, body ache, and cough and in these cases, one doesn't need Remdesivir or other large numbers of medicines. You can take medicines for these normal infections or treat yourself with home remedies and yoga. You will get back to normal and get well within seven or 10 days. You don't need to put Remdesivir or oxygen in your house."
Discussing the ongoing Covid situation in India, AIIMS Dr N Wig said, "All district officials must monitor the district's positivity rate and aim to keep it below 1-5%. Mumbai had a 26% positivity rate at one point but after severe restrictions, it came down to 14%. Delhi is struggling at 30%. We must impose strict restrictions."
There can be 10-15% of people who may suffer from severe covid infection and may require extra medicines like Remdesivir, oxygen or plasma. Less than five per cent of patients need to be operated on a ventilator, the AIIMS Director informed. "If we see this data, it shows that there is no need to panic. If one gets a positive report, he/she shouldn't rush to the hospital or get medical oxygen. It's a wrong belief and it will create an unnecessary shortage of oxygen. We need to understand that it is a mild disease and only 10 to 15 per cent of cases get severe," he said.
AIIMS Director Dr Guleria said, "...Remdesivir, not a magic bullet, it's given to only patients who are hospitalised, have moderate to severe disease and whose oxygen saturation is below 93...don't misuse Oxygen and Remdesivir. Most patients can recover by isolating at home."
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90 per cent of the covid patients can recover at home isolation if they are provided with proper medications, said Medanta chairman Dr Trehan. "As soon as your RT-PCR report comes positive, my advice would be to consult your local doctor with whom you are in touch. All doctors know the protocol and will begin your treatment accordingly. 90 per cent of patients can recover at home if given correct medicines on time."