New Delhi: The Covid surge in the country is due to a new strain and the situation is exactly like the one in the UK when the virus underwent a mutation around Christmas, AIIMS chief Dr Randeep Guleria has said.
The Covid surge in Delhi has mainly affected the younger population with most of the patients reporting relatively milder symptoms, according to the AIIMS Director.
But there is a need to remain vigilant, he said, because the infection can spread to the elderly and trigger serious symptoms, which would once again put healthcare resources under strain.
They (youth) are less fearful since they feel that the infection will be mild if they catch it and therefore, fail to adhere to Covid-appropriate behaviour, said Dr Guleria.
The possibility of youngsters infecting the elderly group is high, therefore, elders and priority groups need to take the vaccine, Dr Guleria asserted.
Chairman of the Centre’s Committee on vaccination, Dr VK Paul emphasised the importance of stringent and continued measures to break the chain of transmission.