Reputed doctors to the likes of AIIMS Chief Randeep Guleria and member of Maharashtra’s Covid-19 task force Dr Shashank Joshi on Sunday said that there was no need to panic as every virus has a habit to change the colour. They also said that while the second wave is severe, recovery rate is also faster.
They also said that there was no need to run after oxygen and anti-viral drug remedesivir, the comments coming amidst reports of surge in cases and shortage of medical oxygen from hospitals across the States.
Member of Maharashtra’s Covid-19 Task Force, Dr. Shashank Joshi warned that the way people are running after Remdesivir they should stop doing that. “This medicine has a limited role. it should be taken only when people are put on oxygen in a hospital, strictly as per the Doctor’s advice. It is important for all people to understand this,” he said
“… one thing about this medicine is that one has to stay 2-3 days less in the hospital and it aids in clinical recovery. And this medicine works only when it is taken in the first 9-10 days and it is to be taken only for five days.”
In an interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Mann ki baat, he said that mutations keep on happening the way we change our clothes, the virus keeps changing its colours. Hence, there is nothing to fear and we shall overcome this wave too. However, one needs to be alert medically.
He pointed out that Covid has a 14 to 21 day’s timetable, in which one should avail of the doctor’s advice. He pointed out that 98 per cent people recovered with an injection called Heparin for thinning blood.
“Hence, it is not at all required to run after all these expensive medications. Whenever this medicine is available, it should be given only to appropriate people. On this, many myths are doing the rounds,” said Dr Joshi who was awarded the Padma Shri in 2014.
He also pointed out that treatment protocol must be as per the doctor’s advice.
Joshi also observed that many people start clinical treatment very late because they believe that the illness will subside on its own, something that should not be done.
Dr Guleria in a separate talk on a TV channel too did not favor Remdesivir. He said it’s not a magic bullet. “It’s given to only patients who are hospitalised, have moderate to severe disease & whose oxygen saturation is below 93...Don’t misuse Oxygen & Remdesivir. Most patients can recover by isolating at home.”