Covid might not go away but no major outbreak likely in India: Expert
PTI, Dec 30, 2022, 11:33 AM IST
It is unlikely that Covid will be completely eliminated but there seems little chance of a significant outbreak of the disease in India in the next two months, a top infectious diseases expert said on Friday.
The remarks of Dr Parvaiz Koul, director of the SKIMS Hospital in Kashmir, came in the backdrop of the highly transmissible Omicron strains, mostly BF.7, causing a spike in coronavirus cases in many countries, including China.
“It is uncertain when or if Covid will become an endemic, but it is unlikely that it will be completely eliminated. We may see occasional outbreaks, if new mutations emerge, like in China. In India, it seems unlikely that there will be a significant new outbreak in the next two-three months,” Koul, a leading pulmonologist and researcher on infectious diseases, said.
Taking to Twitter, Koul said India had an advantage in dealing with Covid due to widespread hybrid immunity but suggested that the high-risk group might have to go for a booster dose.
There is an “advantage due to widespread hybrid immunity, although those at high risk might require an booster if significant time has elapsed from the last dose”, he said.
“Those who haven’t taken the precautionary (booster) dose, must. Watch for government guidelines,” Koul said.
Earlier this week, Koul had said modelling data from credible agencies do not foresee any major Covid wave in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Modelling data from credible agencies (such as from the University of Washington) predict a low circulation of the virus for coming weeks in J&K (Jammu and Kashmir), but models can go horribly wrong,” he had said.
“So stay calm, observe routine precautions and vaccinate if you haven’t, as per the advisories. Safety saves. Better safe than sorry,” the SKIMS Hospital’s director had said.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Exposure to outdoor artificial light at night may increase risk of stroke, study finds
Group of oncologists launch free-of-cost second opinion helpline number for cancer patients
Dogs understand more than they let on, create mental images of known words: Study
Caution advised as diarrhoea cases rise with onset of summer
Bharat Biotech begins clinical trials of TB vaccine on adults in India
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Congress to declare remaining candidates for Jharkhand LS seats by April 1
Baikampady: Massive fire breaks out in seafood factory
IPL 17’s opening day registers record-breaking viewership: Broadcaster
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, wife welcome baby girl
LS polls: BJP, LDF keen to break into Congress stronghold in Thiruvananthapuram