Covid-19 symptoms have not changed, virus virulence is unknown

Out of 100 Covid-19 patients being treated at the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, 20 are severe cases requiring intensive care, initial symptoms are unchanged, virus virulence is unknown.

On April 17, answering VnExpress, Doctor Pham Van Phuc, Head of the Intensive Care Unit, Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, said that the severe cases are mainly elderly people, people with underlying diseases.

"We are continuing to monitor the virulence of this virus, the initial symptoms of new infections have not changed compared to before, mainly cough, fever, fatigue, body aches," said Dr. Phuc said.

In a dispatch sent to medical facilities today, the Ministry of Health acknowledged the complicated development of Covid-19 situation. On April 17, for the first time in more than a year, the number of infections in a day exceeded 1,000. Three days ago recorded a total of 2,272 new cases, an average of 757 cases per day. The number of severe cases increased, from 28 cases on April 15, a day later to 38.

Analyzing 639 new infections in the past days, data taken from the patient information system reported by localities, the Ministry of Health recorded more than 30% over 50 years old, the number of hospitalizations increased, including 10 severe cases. . The data do not disclose the percentage of hospitalizations. Most patients have mild symptoms.

The Ministry of Health suggested that hospitals take samples of severe cases to sequence the virus genes to find mutations as well as assess the extent. In case the patient has a negative antigen test result but still suspects Covid-19, the hospital is recommended to conduct a PCR test to make an accurate diagnosis, to avoid missing an infection that causes the epidemic to spread.

The Ministry of Health also requires medical facilities to proactively respond, ensure emergency care, care for patients, early detect serious conditions for timely handling, minimizing deaths. The Covid treatment support system between lines has also been reactivated. Provincial hospitals should strengthen consultations with higher levels to seek professional advice on patient treatment, and limit referral to higher levels unless the case is beyond their professional capacity.

Up to now, nearly 4 months in a row, Vietnam has not recorded a death from Covid-19. The Ministry of Health recommends that people maintain 2K measures (mask, disinfect) and vaccinate to prevent infection and reduce the risk of serious illness and death if infected with the virus.

Hanoi is the locality that has recorded the most infections in this wave. The Hanoi Center for Disease Control took 10 samples from 6 districts, towns, including Hoang Mai, Thuong Tin, Son Tay, Ba Vi, Ung Hoa, and Thanh Oai, and sent them to Bach Mai Hospital for sequencing. virus genes find new strains. Currently, there are no results of gene sequencing of this sample number.

On April 14, Ho Chi Minh City announced the appearance of a new variant of Omicron, XBB.1.5. This is a strain that spreads rapidly, but there is no evidence to increase the severity of cases.

* SOURCE: https://vnexpress.net/ca-covid-19-nhap-vien-tang-chua-ro-doc-luc-virus-4594633.html