Present Covid variant is like Omicron's great-grandchild, nothing to worry about: Dr Joshi
Speaking to TOI during his visit to Nagpur for the 12th edition of Hello Diabetes Academia (HDA), Dr Joshi dismissed the current surge as a 'seasonal wave,' triggered by climate change and minor viral mutations.
"This variant is the great-grandchild of the Omicron strain — mild, self-limiting, and largely harmless for the general public," Dr Joshi said, adding that the virus is behaving like other seasonal respiratory infections seen during monsoon transitions.
"There is no reason to panic," he emphasized. "Healthy individuals may get infected, but will recover due to existing natural immunity. Hospitalisations are not rising, there is no oxygen requirement, and deaths only occur in case of patients with extreme comorbidities or severely compromised immunity."
Dr Joshi urged people to treat seasonal flu, cold, or cough with proper medical attention and not ignore symptoms.
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"If someone tests positive for Covid-19, wearing a mask is a responsible step, but home isolation is not necessary. Most cases are self-resolving," he said. He stressed that the medical fraternity is not worried and the healthcare system remains robust and well-prepared.
"Climate change is driving a number of respiratory infections. Covid-19 is just one of them and needn't cause extraordinary concern. Our country has built strong immunity through vaccination and prior exposure."
While in Nagpur for the HDA conference, Dr Joshi also touched upon the rising burden of diabetes and obesity, the core focus of the three-day scientific gathering. "Obesity is now the primary concern of doctors across the country," he said.
"Visceral fat, which is the fat surrounding internal organs, is a bigger problem among Indians than general obesity. Women with a waist size above 80 cm and men above 90 cm are at high risk for diabetes," he warned.
Meanwhile, diabetologist Dr Sunil Gupta, who is leading the conference, said that while scientific sessions began on Friday, the formal inauguration of the 12th Hello Diabetes Academia is scheduled for Saturday. The conference has brought together over 100 experts from across India to discuss the latest developments in the fields of diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolic care.
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