Doctors in Chennai are reporting a rise in mild COVID-19 infections in recent weeks and are urging people to follow basic precautions such as cough etiquette and hand hygiene.

A number of doctors from government and private hospitals said there was a rise in the number of people testing positive for COVID-19, though most infections remain mild. A public health official said, “COVID-19 is prevalent in the community and we do not test everybody. During the summer months from May to July, private hospitals may advise testing for patients with sore throat or other symptoms, with COVID-19 included as part of the flu panel. This is to rule out or not to miss any infections. At present, there are no new severe variants.”

A government physician said patients were not being tested, but there had been a spike in mild upper respiratory infections over the past 10 days.

Suresh Kumar, senior consultant, Infectious Diseases, Apollo Hospitals, said the number of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 is gradually rising over the last 10 days. “We are testing persons with symptoms, and that is when we noticed cases picking up. Fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, giddiness, and lack of taste are the symptoms seen. Some of the patients, particularly those aged above 50, those with co-morbid conditions such as cancer and diabetes, required oxygen support and hospitalisation,” he said. He stressed on the need for precautions as vaccines are currently unavailable.

“COVID-19 has not disappeared, and is rather seasonal now. The patients we are seeing right now have only mild symptoms. Testing for COVID-19 is being done in both government and private hospitals. With the summer vacation on now, many will be travelling for holidays. What they should remember is to wear masks when visiting crowded places, follow hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and to stay at home if they are sick,” S. Chandrasekar, Professor and Head, Department of Medicine, Government Stanley Medical College Hospital said.

‘Seasonal spike’

Surendran R., consultant, Infectious Diseases, SIMS Hospital, said that flu was predominant over the past two months and COVID-19 was rarely seen. “This month, we have been seeing a few patients with COVID-19. It is too early to tell but it looks like a seasonal spike. The symptoms are very mild and there are no sick patients,” he said.

He pointed out that previously, flu or COVID-19 infections occurred in one or two seasons in a year, with the peak occurring during monsoon. “However, of late, cases are being seen outside the traditional flu season and the viruses seem to be circulating round the year. This may be due to increased population density, not following proper cough etiquette and not seeking medical care immediately if a person falls ill. We need to stress on hand hygiene, masking in crowded places as well as the annual flu vaccine especially for the elderly and those with comorbidities,” he said.

Sweatha Kumar, associate consultant in Infectious Diseases, Rela Hospital, also noted a slight increase in COVID-19 cases in the city over the past two to three weeks, though most cases continue to be mild.

“At present, there is no cause for panic, but continued vigilance is important. If a person is symptomatic, wearing a mask is advisable. Testing should be done when clinically indicated. The focus should remain on surveillance and monitoring of circulating variants, while continuing to follow standard precautions. Attention is needed for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, individuals with co-morbidities, organ transplant recipients, and those awaiting transplants. Eligible high-risk individuals should also remain updated with recommended vaccinations,” she said.