Why are Covid-19 cases among elders rising? Doctors explain

Hyderabad: Hospitalisation of senior citizens with a sudden drop in saturation levels and suffering from fever and cough is being noted for the last three weeks in Hyderabad. The number of senior citizens suffering from Covid-19 is rising.

The doctors state that the severe respiratory distress syndrome they saw in the first two waves of Covid-19 is being noted again in senior citizens.

The admissions require critical care units and the recovery period is long.

There have been deaths too but those are recorded as multi-organ failures in private hospitals in the city.

The new variants of Omicron are a concern as they are attacking the immune system. The protection from vaccines will not last long and new variants make those who are immune-compromised susceptible to infection. For this reason, the point that immunity must be strong comes back into focus, according to medical experts.

What the doctors say

“I don't think it will be serious enough. Although the dictum that vaccination will protect you and poor immune status has bad outcomes holds true,” said Dr. Rahul Agarwal of Care Hospital, Banjara Hills.

Dr. B.V.S Apoorva, MD Pulmonology, added, “In some cases, Covid-19 the patients who are elderly and/or have diseases such as diabetes, breathing-related diseases, and such, have very low immunity levels. So despite taking vaccinations, Covid may occur or even reoccur in some cases. Seniors who have kidney problems go for dialysis. Such centres have many patients, all in a vulnerable state. So it is much easier for the virus to be carried and spread. The same goes for rehabilitation centres.”

Dr. Rajesh Ukkala, a general physician, said, “Though senior citizens got vaccinated, it doesn't warrant them having proper immunity. Another issue can be the way their organs function as they are not in their prime. These two factors play a major role in senior citizens being most vulnerable to Covid.”

Are the present vaccines good for new variants?

Do we need new vaccines for the new variants or are the present ones sufficient? This is an ongoing debate in the scientific community. The new variants have so far been mild in large populations but there are deaths recorded. So do those who develop severe diseases or have to stay longer in the hospital require another dose?

Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, co-chairman of the Covid-19 National Task Force and former president of the Indian Medical Association, said, “It is important to know if updated vaccines can make a difference in severe disease. This will help us understand better.”

On Thursday, Defence minister Rajnath Singh tested positive for Covid-19 and is presently quarantined at home. A team of physicians examined him and advised him to rest for a few days. According to an official notification, the minister is now under home quarantine with moderate symptoms.

Inputs from Anoushka Caroline Williams