As Covid cases rise, experts advise elderly, people with comorbidities to wear masks, not to panic

New Delhi: As Delhi gears up to ring in the New Year amid fear of the new Covid sub-variant JN.1, experts advised people with comorbidities and the elderly to avoid crowded places and wear masks while asserting there was no need to put in place public health measures right now.

According to the Union Health Ministry data, there are 45 active Covid cases in Delhi. So far, the national capital has reported one case of the JN.1 variant.

Amid the rise in cases, experts advised people not to panic and stressed that viral respiratory illnesses usually see a spike during winter months and the pollution season.

Dr Sumit Ray, medical director and critical care head at Holy Family Hospital, said, "We are seeing more influenza cases and H1N1 patients where there is serious lung involvement. The COVID cases that we have seen at our hospital are those where the finding of the infection has been incidental.

"Those who were admitted with Covid infection were primarily those who had chronic lung or kidney disease," he said. The hospital has had 11 Covid patients in December but no fatalities have been reported at the facility.

Asserting that no public health measures were needed at the moment, Dr Ray said, "The role of public health systems is to keep track of infections and maintain watchfulness." He advised young and healthy people to enjoy the festivities while asking the vulnerable population to follow safety measures.

Dr Jugal Kishore, Director, Professor and Head of the Department of Community Medicine, Safdarjung Hospital, said that JN.1 is a sub-variant of Omicron.

"The transmissibility of Omicron is high and that of JN.1 is higher. But there is nothing to worry about. In comorbid people, any infection is an igniting factor for existing problems. Those people who have comorbidities should wear masks when they step out of the house. But for healthy people, I would not advise it.

"Forceful respiration if you do not have any underlying health issues can lead to severe problems. Those who have respiratory infection should wear masks to avoid spreading it," he advised.

LNJP Hospital's Medical Director Dr Suresh Kumar also said there was no reason to panic.

"This (JN.1) is a sub-variant of Omicron. The symptoms are mild and rarely do people get a severe infection. However, those who have diabetes, a liver-related disease or are on dialysis should get themselves tested if they show symptoms," he said.

"If you are immunocompromised, you should wear a mask while visiting crowded places or hospitals. Opt for a balanced diet, including fruits," he added.

A senior government official also said that there was no need to panic and stressed that people will have to learn to live with Covid. "It is the case with every viral infection. It is following the expected pattern. Please do not worry and don't be scared," he said.

While confirming the first case of the JN.1 variant, Delhi health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said on Wednesday, "JN.1 is a sub-variant of Omicron and is a mild infection. This is the one spreading in south India. There is no need to panic. It causes mild sickness."