Doctors have warned that the ongoing Covid-19 surge is presenting with muted symptoms—primarily a low-grade, persistent fever and a mild cough. These seemingly harmless signs have caused many to overlook the infection and rely on over-the-counter medications. However, for some, the fever has not subsided, eventually prompting them to seek medical help.
Fever Leads to Detection in Hospital Admissions
Most hospital admissions for other health issues have uncovered Covid-19 cases through routine fever screenings. Physicians noted that persistent fever was often the only trigger for testing in these cases.
Covid Cases Rising in West Bengal
West Bengal has reported a noticeable increase in Covid-19 infections. In the past seven days alone, the state logged 319 new cases, raising the total active caseload to 331 as of Monday.
Symptoms Now Milder Compared to Previous Waves
Unlike the initial three waves—marked by high fever, loss of taste and smell, severe cough, and pneumonia—the current wave features flu-like symptoms. According to Dr. Raja Dhar, Director of Pulmonology at CMRI, most patients present with a sore throat, runny nose, and mild symptoms. “This is deceptive. Many are ignoring their condition, which is risky amid rising cases. Testing and isolation remain crucial, especially if elderly individuals are in the household,” he advised.
Dr. Dhar also emphasized that individuals with comorbidities, particularly the elderly, need stricter screening. “If the fever and cough persist beyond four to five days, hospitalization is advisable, as the condition can worsen quickly,” he said. Currently, CMRI has seven Covid patients admitted.
Flu-Like Presentation and Persistent Fever Prompt Testing
Dr. Sayan Chakrabarty, Infectious Diseases Specialist at Manipal Hospitals, confirmed that symptoms remain mostly flu-like, though persistent fever has led many patients to get tested—and test positive. “While we have not seen many severe cases yet, the increasing numbers could potentially trigger a larger outbreak,” he cautioned. Notably, five Covid patients from Manipal have already been discharged.
Covid Pneumonia Rare in This Wave
As reported by TOI, Pulmonologist Dr. Soumya Sengupta from Charnock Hospital observed that Covid pneumonia is now rare. “Patients mostly report a mild cough and low-grade fever. Even elderly patients have muted symptoms and are primarily being treated for existing health conditions,” he noted. This is in stark contrast to earlier waves, when older adults often experienced severe symptoms including pneumonia.
Omicron Subvariant Jn.1 Likely Behind the Surge
Dr. Dhar pointed out that the Jn.1 subvariant of Omicron, currently believed to be circulating, is highly transmissible but less virulent. “It’s still best to isolate for five days after testing positive and take symptomatic medications. This wave is expected to last another two weeks,” he said. However, he warned that even mild infections could worsen underlying health issues, especially those related to the lungs.