Overview

COVID-19 cases are on the rise again in India, with notable increases in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Gurgaon. In Kerala, recent data shows 273 active cases, with Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram being the most affected.

While these numbers are still manageable, they serve as a timely reminder that the virus hasn't disappeared. As many have returned to pre-pandemic routines, it's crucial to reintroduce simple precautions like mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and safe travel practices.

Today, we'll discuss with Dr Sujan Bardhan - Consultant (Tuberculosis & Chest Diseases) at Rabindranath Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Kolkata, how these small steps can make a significant difference in keeping us safe.

1. COVID cases are rising again — should people like me be worried?

2. Is this rise in cases connected to a new variant?

3. How does the new COVID variant compare to earlier ones in spread and severity?

4. How risky is it medically to live normally now without masks or distancing?

5. What’s your key message to those who think COVID is completely over?

Speakers

Yakshi Chugh

With a graduation in Journalism and Mass Communication from Amity University, Yakshi Chugh embarked on a journey to explore the dynamic intersection of media and healthcare. In 2024, she joined Medical Dialogues, driven by a passion to enhance healthcare journalism and deliver insightful, impactful content to readers.

Dr Sujan Bardhan

Dr Sujan Bardhan (MBBS, MD (Tuberculosis & Chest Diseases)) is a Consultant in Pulmonology at Rabindranath Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Kolkata. He manages a range of respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, bronchitis, pneumonia, and sleep-related breathing disorders. He is also involved in ECMO services and the treatment of infectious lung diseases. Dr. Bardhan has contributed to studies on tuberculosis management, COPD awareness, and asthma complications in different healthcare settings.