How prompt care and basic precautions can help keep high-risk people safe during the COVID-19 outbreak

According to Dr. Viny Kantroo, senior consultant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in Delhi, people in high-risk groups, such as diabetics and pregnant women, must behave in a way that is appropriate for COVID-19.

Experts have warned that high-risk groups, such as those over 65 and those with comorbidities including diabetes, chronic lung or kidney illness, and cardiac diseases, should exercise extreme caution in light of the increased number of COVID-19 cases and deaths.
For these individuals, COVID-appropriate behavior is crucial, according to Dr. Viny Kantroo, senior consultant in respiratory, critical care, and sleep medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in Delhi.

This includes avoiding touching your face, keeping your hands clean, controlling chronic conditions like diabetes to prevent complications, wearing a mask in crowded areas, when traveling, or if you have respiratory symptoms, and practicing respiratory etiquette, such as coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow.

With 4,866 ongoing infections and seven recent deaths—including the death of a five-month-old baby with cerebral palsy—India is seeing a new surge in coronavirus infections. Medical specialists emphasize that the present varieties produce milder sickness in most people, even though the spike is worthy of notice.

According to Dr. Kantroo, knowledge, adherence to COVID-appropriate behavior, and prompt care for vulnerable populations are crucial for navigating this period.
There are currently 28–30 patients in Delhi’s hospitals, and the majority of admissions are either preventative or involve high-risk patients. The majority of infections are still mild or moderate, and the medical system is equipped to deal with these situations.

Doctors may recommend antiviral medication, such as Paxlovid, for patients with high-risk conditions who test positive, preferably within five days of the onset of symptoms and after evaluating liver and kidney function.

Complications are still most likely to affect high-risk groups. If you fit into any of the following categories, you should be extra watchful:

• Senior citizens (those over 65)
• People with heart, lung, renal, or liver illness as well as diabetics
• People with impaired immune systems, such as those receiving steroids or immunosuppressants, cancer patients, and transplant recipients
• Women with comorbidities who are pregnant
• Individuals who have previously had a serious COVID infection
• Seek prompt medical attention if you suffer from:
• Breathlessness
• Low saturation of oxygen
• Symptoms that last longer than seven days
• A fever that is not getting better with medicine.

Do we require a follow-up vaccination? In India, booster vaccinations are currently not advised for the general public. Authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) are still evaluating the virus’s changing behavior, and there are currently no new COVID-19 boosters accessible locally. Nonetheless, the emphasis should continue to be on general health, masking, and early diagnosis; high-risk patients should speak with their doctors about preventative care.

New Omicron sub-variants including JN.1, NB.1.8.1, LF.7, and XFC, which have demonstrated greater transmissibility but only minor symptoms, are responsible for the present spike. These are now categorized by the WHO as “Variants Under Monitoring”—not yet concerning, but needing vigilance. Like influenza, these viruses are known to evolve, which is why seasonal updates and monitoring are still important.

According to Dr. Kantroo, the current COVID-19 phase calls for prudence, readiness, and responsible behavior rather than panic. We can keep ourselves and our communities safe by taking simple precautions, remaining informed, and getting care when we need it.

Prompt care and basic precautions are vital in safeguarding high-risk individuals during the COVID-19 outbreak. High-risk groups include older adults (especially those over 65), individuals with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic lung disease, obesity, or weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.

One of the most effective strategies is staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including recommended booster doses. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

Practicing good hygiene is essential. Regularly washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap is unavailable, helps eliminate germs. Avoid touching the face, particularly the eyes, nose, and mouth, with unwashed hands.

Wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces adds a layer of protection, especially for those at higher risk. Masks help prevent the inhalation of respiratory droplets that may contain the virus.

Maintaining physical distance from others, particularly in public settings, reduces the chance of exposure. Avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick is also crucial.

Ensuring proper ventilation in indoor spaces by opening windows and doors or using air filtration systems can decrease the concentration of airborne virus particles.

High-risk individuals should consult healthcare providers promptly if they exhibit COVID-19 symptoms. Early medical intervention can lead to timely treatment, which is more effective when started soon after symptom onset.

Staying informed about local COVID-19 trends and following public health guidelines helps individuals make informed decisions about attending events or traveling. In areas with high transmission rates, extra precautions are warranted.

By adhering to these basic precautions and seeking prompt medical care when necessary, high-risk individuals can significantly reduce their risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, high-risk individuals such as the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, immunocompromised patients, and pregnant women require an extra layer of protection through timely care and consistent preventive measures.

Prompt medical attention at the earliest sign of symptoms can drastically reduce the severity of the infection, allowing for early intervention strategies like antiviral medication or supportive treatment before complications escalate. This proactive approach can be life-saving, especially for those with compromised immunity or pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

In tandem with early care, basic daily precautions form a critical defense line. Regular handwashing with soap not only removes viruses from the skin but also limits the transmission of the virus to surfaces and other people. Wearing masks in indoor or crowded settings, especially where physical distancing isn’t possible, reduces the risk of inhaling infectious particles. For high-risk individuals, this precaution is not optional but essential, especially in community spread environments.

Physical distancing remains one of the most effective non-medical tools for protecting vulnerable populations. Avoiding unnecessary social gatherings, maintaining at least six feet of space in public, and opting for virtual interactions instead of face-to-face meetings can dramatically lower exposure risks. Meanwhile, ensuring good airflow in living spaces—either by opening windows or using air purifiers—dilutes potential airborne contaminants, making the environment safer.

Vaccination, including booster doses, remains the cornerstone of protection. For high-risk people, being fully vaccinated not only prevents severe disease but also lowers the chances of hospitalization and long-term complications. In households with vulnerable members, ensuring that all residents and caregivers are vaccinated creates a collective shield that reduces viral transmission within shared spaces.

Monitoring health indicators regularly, such as body temperature, oxygen saturation levels, and symptoms like persistent cough or breathlessness, can provide early warning signs. A delay in seeking help can turn a manageable illness into a life-threatening emergency. Therefore, having access to telemedicine services or regular check-ins with healthcare professionals can bridge this gap and offer timely guidance.

Moreover, high-risk individuals benefit from a well-prepared routine. Keeping a stock of essential medications, arranging emergency contacts, and having a ready plan for isolation or hospitalization if symptoms appear can ease the mental and physical toll. Emotional support is equally important—social isolation can lead to depression, which weakens immunity. Regular phone calls, virtual meetups, or socially-distanced interactions with loved ones help maintain a positive outlook and mental strength.

Overall, protecting high-risk individuals isn’t just about reacting to illness—it’s about creating a daily environment of safety, vigilance, and care. These combined efforts don’t just reduce risk—they provide peace of mind and resilience in the face of uncertainty.

Early recognition of symptoms like fever, fatigue, cough, or shortness of breath can make a critical difference for high-risk individuals. Rather than waiting for symptoms to intensify, acting immediately by consulting a healthcare provider enables timely medical evaluation. This early detection can help determine whether home care is sufficient or if hospitalization may be required to prevent deterioration. When action is delayed, especially among elderly patients or those with diabetes or heart disease, the virus can progress rapidly, leading to avoidable complications.

Nutrition also plays a crucial role in building and maintaining a strong immune response. High-risk individuals should focus on a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, D, zinc, and iron. These nutrients help enhance immune defense mechanisms, improve respiratory function, and reduce inflammation. Staying hydrated, avoiding processed foods, and managing blood sugar levels are daily steps that can significantly reduce the body’s vulnerability to viral infection.

Stress management is another essential factor in preserving health during a pandemic. Constant news updates and fear of infection can increase anxiety, especially in those already dealing with health challenges. Chronic stress has been proven to weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. High-risk individuals can benefit from relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or gentle walks in open, low-traffic spaces. Creating a calm and reassuring environment at home also helps lower overall stress levels.

Ensuring regular sleep of 7–8 hours each night is another natural shield against illness. Sleep strengthens the immune response and supports the body in fighting infections more effectively. High-risk individuals should maintain a consistent sleep schedule, limit caffeine and screen time before bed, and create a comfortable, well-ventilated sleeping environment. Lack of sleep, on the other hand, can increase the body’s inflammatory response and reduce its ability to respond to viral threats.

Communication is vital, especially when a high-risk person lives alone or has limited mobility. Maintaining a clear line of contact with caregivers, family members, or community support groups ensures that help is available if symptoms arise or essential supplies run out. Establishing a daily or weekly check-in system, whether through phone calls, text messages, or video chats, helps keep vulnerable individuals connected and monitored.

Medication adherence is another pillar of health management. People with chronic conditions like hypertension, COPD, or kidney disease must continue taking their prescribed medications without interruption. Stocking at least two weeks’ worth of essential medicines, using pill organizers, and setting reminders can help prevent missed doses. Missing treatment for pre-existing conditions can weaken the body and complicate recovery from COVID-19 if infection occurs.

In multi-generational households, where older adults often live with younger family members, it’s important for everyone to adopt preventive behaviors. Children and young adults may be asymptomatic carriers, so wearing masks indoors when someone is sick, regularly sanitizing surfaces, and minimizing outside contact when not essential are critical practices to prevent internal household transmission.

Sanitization protocols inside the home should be followed consistently. Frequently touched surfaces—such as door handles, light switches, mobile phones, and remote controls—should be cleaned daily using alcohol-based or bleach-based disinfectants. Maintaining hand hygiene before meals, after returning from outside, or after coughing or sneezing remains a simple but highly effective tool to reduce risk.

In the case of caregivers visiting high-risk individuals, strict hygiene measures should be followed. They should wear masks, sanitize hands before entering the premises, and avoid close contact if they are feeling unwell. Caregivers should also limit their own exposure outside to reduce the risk of becoming carriers of the virus. The safety of a high-risk person is often dependent on the behavior of those around them.

Public transportation and crowded places present a serious threat to high-risk individuals. If travel is unavoidable, choosing off-peak hours, maintaining distance, wearing high-filtration masks like N95 or KN95, and minimizing surface contact are recommended strategies. Whenever possible, using private or sanitized transport options can further lower exposure risks.

• Group Media Publication

1. Construction, Infrastructure and Mining   
2. General News Platforms – IHTLive.com
3. Entertainment News Platforms – https://anyflix.in/