Omicron not mild for elderly patients: Experts

Tribune News Service

Karam Prakash

Patiala, January 22

Though Omicron variant is perceived to be milder than the previous variants of coronavirus, Patiala continues to report high number of Covid-related deaths. A total of 52 persons have died of Covid in the past 21 days in the district.

Notably, as per the state’s genome sequencing lab at Patiala Government Medical College, Omicron variant is the dominant strain.

Patiala district epidemiologist Dr Sumeet Singh said: “It is a misconception that the Omicron variant is mild. The rising number of Covid-related deaths shows that the variant is fatal, especially for elderly and comorbid patients.”

Patiala Civil Surgeon Dr Prince Sodhi said 39 of 52 Covid-related deaths had comorbid conditions. Besides, 24 patients died of Covid within 24 hours of admission to the hospital. Around 45 per cent patients — who died of Covid in January — were either partially or fully vaccinated.

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