More than half of the Covid-positive cases identified in Gujarat so far — over 700 in total — belong to the 25 to 50 years age group, commonly referred to as the working-age population. According to the state health department, this group has emerged as the most affected in the recent surge.
Infants Affected, Seniors Least Impacted
Government data also shows that around 10% of the reported cases are among infants under one year of age. In contrast, very few senior citizens have tested positive in the recent wave, indicating a shift in the age profile of infections compared to earlier waves.
Young Women Among Recent Fatalities
Health experts noted that three recent Covid deaths — all in Ahmedabad — involved young women aged 18, 20, and 47 years. A senior health department official remarked, “There is no clear pattern yet, but we are monitoring trends closely. Our medical infrastructure is fully prepared, and the current hospitalization rate stands at about 5%.”
Daily Case Count and National Ranking
According to the state bulletin, Gujarat added 167 new cases in the 24 hours ending 5 p.m. on Thursday, pushing the total active cases to 615. Among these, 15 patients are hospitalized. No new deaths were reported that day. Nationally, Gujarat ranks fifth in active Covid cases, behind Kerala (1,487), Delhi (562), West Bengal (538), and Maharashtra (526).
Comorbidities Linked to Most Deaths
Among the seven Covid-related deaths reported in India, most patients had underlying health conditions such as seizures, pneumonia, respiratory failure, cardiovascular and kidney diseases, hypertension, and cancer.
Symptoms Evolving, Myalgia and Fever Common
Doctors have observed changes in symptom patterns. Many patients report severe muscle pain (myalgia), high-grade fever, and diarrhoea. Loss of smell and taste, once hallmark symptoms, are now rarely seen. Dr Maharshi Desai, an internal medicine specialist, stated that a steady stream of patients with flu-like symptoms is being treated. “Since most treatments are symptom-based, not everyone undergoes testing. But those with comorbidities or weakened immunity should definitely be tested,” he advised.
No Cause for Panic, Say Experts
As reported by TOI, Dr Vijay Maurya, former president of the Ahmedabad Family Physicians’ Association, said, “Flu-like symptoms are currently the most common presentation. There’s no need to panic. Community-level reporting is low, and due to vaccinations and herd immunity, the risk of widespread transmission is reduced. Even coughs and colds are typically resolving within a week.”
First 48 Hours Crucial in Detecting Severity
Medical experts emphasized that the initial 24 to 48 hours are crucial for identifying Covid. High-grade fever, intense body aches, and headaches during this period often signal infection. Most patients receive symptom-based medications and show improvement within two days. Respiratory distress — common during earlier waves — is rare this time. Only a few hospitalized patients have required oxygen. Young children, typically treated alongside their mothers, are also responding well to basic symptomatic care.
In conclusion, while the current wave has brought a spike in cases among younger age groups and infants, severe illness and hospitalizations remain low, indicating a more manageable phase of the pandemic.