AIIMS releases guidelines for COVID: Note the symptoms

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) of Delhi has decided to increase testing for patients with symptoms of SARI (severe acute respiratory infection) in its preparedness to tackle increasing cases of COVID. As per an official memorandum, 12 beds in the C6 ward have been earmarked for hospitalization of seriously ill COVID-19 patients. “Rooms no 1 to 12 in the new private ward are to be earmarked for hospitalization of COVID-19 positive EHS beneficiaries,” the memorandum added.
The official guidelines against COVID come at the same time when Delhi reports its first case of JN.1 variant, which is a rapidly spreading variant of the COVID causing coronavirus.A meeting was by the AIIMS Delhi Director with all heads of departments of the hospital on COVID-19 contingency measures on Wednesday. In the meeting, policy on COVID-19 testing, the areas to be designated for positive patients and their hospitalisation was discussed, news agency ANI reported.”Delhi has reported the first case of JN.1, a Sub-Variant of Omicron. Out of the 3 samples sent for Genome Sequencing, one is JN.1 and the other two are Omicron,” Bharadwaj told ANI.

Symptoms to be careful about

As per the guidelines released by AIIMS, patients with symptoms like acute respiratory infection, persistent fever or fever of >= 38 C° with cough and onset within last 10 days will tested for COVID.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently classified JN.1 as a variant of interest, distinct from its parent lineage BA.2.86. However, the global health body emphasised that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence.

India reported the first case of JN.1 variant on December 8 in Kerala; the variant currently accounts for 50% of the COVID cases in the US and is spreading faster.
More than 100 cases of COVID due to JN.1 variant have already been reported in the country. Given the festive season and celebration time, health experts have warned to take care and pay attention the symptoms of the infection and get tested to stop the spread of the infection.