“These days we are flooded with nothing but Covid 19 news and WhatsApp messages of do's and dont's. We as doctors are witnessing a changing trend as far as treating COVID patients are concerned. Thanks to WhatsApp University, a common man has attained a doctorate in the subject. True these days any fever unless proved otherwise seems to be due to Corona Virus,” said Dr Shubhangi Deshmane, noted Gynaecologist. While talking to ‘The Hitavada’ Dr Deshmane elaborated, “Slightest doubt and patients are rushing to get their RTPCRS done standing in long queues eagerly waiting to get their reports.

 

Due to mad rush, laboratories are taking more than 48 hours to release the report. Without awaiting for the result, patients are then marching to CT scan centers to get their HRCTs done. The scores are discussed on non- doctor groups and self- treatment is started. If the scores are found to be little high, panic reaction leads to unnecessary insistence on getting admitted in covid centers. A battery of unnecessary blood tests are done. All possible cocktail drugs, antivirals, antibiotics are consumed by the patients and then the role of doctors start.” Dr Deshmane pointed out, “Doctors are consulted for mere moral support or to ensure that the concerned doctor will attend to the patient in future if his condition worsens. A word of caution, the new mutant coronavirus is escaping the common RTPCR test and many though infected by the virus show false negative test. With this high False Negative result, is it advisable to do RTPCR of all patients, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic? Can we not treat all patients with fever as COVID positive patients unless proved otherwise?”

 

“Why this panic reaction, from a common man? Do all covid patients need so many tests to be carried out? Should they not consult a doctor in the first place and let him judge clinically the severity of disease and the tests required to be done? Is the fear factor of dying, making a patient go crazy? Should the patients rely too much on their reports rather than their symptoms? Why is clinical examination by an expert taking precedence over investigations? Is the mind of a common man biased watching all the negative news? Or is it the medical fraternity making matters worse by admitting mild to moderate borderline patients who can effectively be managed under home quarantine? Are the hospital beds occupied by such patients and the real needy patients are left to die? All these complex questions need to be answered,” said Dr Shubhangi Deshmane. Dr Deshmane stated, “Recently there was a news that the Corporators are demanding supply of injection Remdesivir to home quarantined patients. Only those patients in whom oxygen level is good need home quarantine, and such patients never require Remdesivir injections.

 

Without knowing its indications common man is found to be talking only of Remdesivir as if it's a life saving drug… NO it is not. It just shortens the course of the disease by 1 to 3 days, if given in the first 9 days of the disease only in hypoxic patients not requiring ventilator support. Then why this hype? Are the patients and common man themselves responsible for increasing the demand of the drug and hence encouraging the black marketing of the drug?” “It is high time people should be aware that every person who is irresponsible, does not follow the basic measures to avoid infection, is reluctant to get vaccinated is sure to get infected from the virus. Once infected, with the development of symptoms, the first thing patient has to do is to remain in the positive frame of mind and not panic. Self -Isolation should be priority to avoid spreading infection to other family members or community. Standing in long queues for long hours and visiting CT Centers will only help in spreading the disease,” said Dr Deshmane. Isolation for 15 days, and managing symptoms as one manages a common cold or flu should be done. Adequate rest, proper hydration, balanced light meals, deep breathing, steam inhalation, exposure to sunlight and trying all old grandma remedies will tide over the crisis.

 

Keeping a frequent watch on oxygen saturation by pulse oxymeter if available is advisable. If not, simple watch on respiration at rest and after 6 minute walk may help. Keeping a record of count in one breath can assess the vital capacity of lungs. By these simple measures more than 95% of COVID positive patients are going to be fine by day 10 of their first symptom. Only 5% especially those with comorbidities or elderly will need expert management and hospital facilities. Out of these only a small number will succumb despite giving all the necessary treatment, a fact which should be accepted by all, advised Dr Deshmane. “It's an appeal to all COVID patients to stay calm and remain positive mentally and emotionally. That alone can reduce the stress and improve the immunity which will go a long way in conquering the disease. We ourselves can avoid discrepancy between demand and supply of essential commodities like hospital beds, lifesaving Oxygen, drugs and manpower to cope this pandemic. Vaccination remains the key to decrease the severity of the disease if at all reinfected or to develop herd immunity. Let's encourage mass vaccination and win over the dreaded virus and critical times,” suggested Dr Deshmane. 

 

‘Most patients dying of other ailments, not of COVID-19’ “Do you enjoy sending negative messages about doctors? Do you ask whether Remdesivir is being sold in the black market? Do you question doctors’ credibility? Find out and then blame them. I think some doctor might have committed a mistake but that doesn’t mean all are going the same way. Try to find out what was the mechanism behind it,” argued Dr Nitin Turaskar, President of Indian Medical Association, Bhandara. Dr Turaskar questioned, “Why take a CT scan of a patient? Most of the patients whose deaths were certified as of corona were found to have succumbed to heart attack, diabetic ketoacidosis, first kidney problem. Several of those had comorbidities.”

 

Dr Turaskar also pointed out, “Try to know who stole the oxygen flow meter of Bhandara Government Hospital? Where did the ex-servicemen who were posted as guards go? Did you know that the Government pays Rs 20,000 to each guard? Does a plumber with a plumbing fit be afraid to go to the corona ward? People get demonic pleasure in blaming the doctor. Doctors too are human beings! People don’t follow the social distancing norms, don’t wear a simple mask. We are aware of our rights as Indian citizens but when do we fulfill our duties?”