Kolkata: At least three Covid patients—a child and two elderly persons—were currently receiving treatment at two private hospitals in Kolkata, a health department official said. The condition of all three was stable, the official said.Allaying fears, health officials pointed out there was no reason for alarm as SARS-CoV-2 had transitioned into an endemic state, similar to other seasonal influenza viruses, causing mild symptoms. But, they cautioned, that the vulnerable—children and the elderly with co-morbidities—remained more susceptible to severe complications from respiratory infections. “There’s no reason to panic as SARS-CoV-2 is now endemic. But children and the elderly need to be careful as an influenza-like illness can take a toll, requiring hospital care,” said a senior health official. “We are keeping a close watch and we haven’t found any unusual surge so far.”Experts said periodic, localised upticks in Covid cases throughout the year were expected for an endemic virus. “For most, illness continues to be mild and resembles other upper respiratory viral infections. . The focus should be on protecting those at higher risk of complications, including the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions or compromised immunity,” said Apoorbaa Roy, consultant microbiologist at Neuberg Pulse Diagnostics.
