Telangana Doctors urge vigilance as Covid-19 cases rise in AP

With Covid-19 cases rising in Andhra Pradesh and inclement weather conditions prevalent in Hyderabad and districts, factors that are ideal for viral circulation, senior doctors have urged the general public to be vigilant about symptoms and not delay visiting a doctor if symptoms persist.

“It’s crucial for people to contact a qualified pulmonologist, immunologist or even general practitioner if symptoms persist for a couple of days. Unlike common cold or flu, a delay in Covid diagnosis can impact multiple organs and damage the body,” says senior immunologist, Dr Vyakaranam Nageswar.

Currently, due to the unavailability of Covid-19 testing at Basthi Dawakhanas in



urban centres and PHCs in rural areas, individuals cannot easily determine whether they have Covid or seasonal flu.

“Typically, with normal flu, individuals develop a bunch of symptoms like cough and fever all at once and fall sick. However, Covid is different because the symptoms show up gradually.

It could start with fatigue, then on the second day, the person can develop a cough, later a sore throat and an escalating fever, etc. There is a distinct step-by-step pattern of escalation of symptoms,” he explained.

Physicians who managed the pandemic in the past have also urged people not to obsess over which Covid variant is causing the infection.