The infectivity of Covid-19 virus strains currently prevalent in the state is much high compared to the ones last year, going by ground reports. In the latest findings, hospitals treating Covid-19 patients are recording multiple people within the same family getting affected by the virus.

“We are getting requests from several family members of patients admitted here to take them in as well. We currently have 150 critical patients and almost all of them have family members who are infected as well. In some cases, they are only mildly infected but there are two or more family members of almost all these patients who are currently positive. This shows that the positivity rate is very high,” said Dr M Raja Rao, superintendent, Gandhi hospital.

In fact, health authorities, too, have sounded an alert on the high infectivity during the current wave of the virus. “The current strains’ circulation seem to be more infectious, although its not more severe. So, overall, the morbidity is expected to be much more,” said Dr G Srinivasa Rao, director public health, Telangana state, urging people to step up Covid-appropriate behaviour. High morbidity meanwhile means a higher number of hospital admissions and overall pressure on the healthcare infrastructure.

“The most essential aspect right now is to wear masks, maintain social distance and get vaccinated. Vaccine will be a protection from the virus in case of an infection. Everyone who falls in the category of beneficiaries, should take the vaccine. This is the only way to cut the chain of spread,” said the official.

When a large chunk of the population is vaccinated, the spread of the virus will be contained, say experts. While vaccination is essential, especially with a massive jump in numbers likely to continue over the next one month, wearing masks is also equally important.

“Whether vaccinated or not, people need to wear masks when going out. Masks can cut down the chances of infection to a large extent if they are worn correctly. The masks should fit properly and should be handled properly while wearing and removing,” said Dr P Raghu Ram, director Kims-Ushalakshmi Institute of Breast Diseases.

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