Hyderabad Docs Urge Testing for COVID Amid Rise in Respiratory Disorders
HYDERABAD: Amid reports of a spike in COVID19 cases in Singapore, doctors in the city report that there has been a significant increase in upper respiratory disorders.
Dr Raja Rao, superintendent, Gandhi Hospital, said that many residents had come with complaints of chronic cough, fever, and other symptoms that, while not severe enough for hospital admission, persist for more than 10 days.
"While we have the asked them all to get tested for Covid-19, none has come back with reports or even remotely showed interest," he told Deccan Chronicle.
Dr Manikanta P., who runs a private clinic in Boggulkunta, told Deccan Chronicle of an increase in such cases. This surge in cases has attributed to a new strain of the virus, which has also been detected in Maharashtra.
Dr Sanjay Rao, a senior consultant pulmonologist at a private hospital, said, "Many cases are not severe, but they are persistent and concerning."
In response, doctors are advising people to get tested if they exhibit symptoms, particularly those coming from or heading to Singapore. This advisory comes amid concerns over the lack of health checks at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which operates direct flights to Singapore.
"There seems to be no stringent protocols in place. It's worrying, especially given the direct connectivity to Singapore," said a traveller who returned from Singapore after a week-long vacation.
Dr Ravinder Naik, director of health, asked the public not to panic and to maintain personal hygiene and consult their doctor if similar symptoms show up. "This particular strain seems to be spreading fast but is weak and has not caused any much damage worse than mild cases, follow protocol," he advised.
