With inputs from Dr Monica Vasudev

India Covid Update: Active cases now less than 6000

India recorded 461 new corona cases in the last 24 hours, according to updated data from the Union Health Ministry. The active cases have declined to 5707 and comprise 0.01% of the total cases. The national recovery rate is 98.80%. The total deaths since the onset of the pandemic are 5,31,856. The case fatality rate is 1.18%. Over 220.66 crore doses of Covid vaccines have been administered up to now. Yesterday 1380 doses were given… (Source: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, May 26, 2023).

Paxlovid gets FDA nod for treatment of Covid-19 in adults

The US FDA has given full approval to Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir + ritonavir) for the treatment of adults with mild-to-moderate Covid-19 who are at high risk of developing severe disease. It is the first oral antiviral drug to be approved for this indication. However, it is not approved for prophylactic use, either pre-or post-exposure… (Source: FDA, May 25, 2023). 

A new Covid wave predicted in China

China may soon be in the midst of a new wave of infections due to the recent resurgence in Covid cases caused by the XBB variant. As many as 40 million infections per week are anticipated with weekly cases likely to go up to 65 million by the end of the June when the wave peaks… (Source: NBC News, May 25, 2023).

12 hallmark symptoms of long Covid

A survey published in JAMA has identified 12 hallmark symptoms in patients with long Covid, officially termed postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). These include post-exertional malaise, fatigue, chronic cough, brain fog, dizziness, chest pain, palpitations, thirst, gastrointestinal symptoms, loss of or change in smell or taste changes in sexual desire or capacity and abnormal movements. The symptoms of long Covid occurred more frequently and were more severe in intensity during the earlier Covid waves. A total of 37 symptoms were identified in long Covid patients… (Source: JAMA, May 25, 2023). 

Fever: The most common non-respiratory symptom of Covid-19

The most common non-respiratory symptom of Covid-19 was fever regardless of vaccination status and the variant causing the infection, according to a study (P936) of more than 60k Covid patients presented at the ATS 2023 although it was more common among the not fully vaccinated persons during the Delta and Omicron waves. Heart disease was statistically higher in those not fully vaccinated during the Omicron wave. Diabetes and GERD were present in all patients irrespective of the variant and the vaccination status. Unvaccinated patients were more likely to die following infection with the delta or Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2… (Source: American Thoracic Society, May 23, 2023).