Docs: Need A Hosp Only If O2 Low, High Fever For Five Days

Many seem to be writing off the Omicron-Covid wave as a simple cold, but doctors said there is a subset of patients who need ventilator support, ICU care or have very high fever of over 104 0F and severe cough, needing hospital care.

Mumbai: “Around 10% to 20% of the patients who are in the ICU are bad,’’ said Dr Rahul Pandit, who is a member of the state government’s task force on Covid-19.

On the positive side, most patients, almost 90%, don’t require any medicines, said Dr Gautam Bhansali, another task force member. “I would say that among my patients, only 5% need antibiotics and 1% need hosptialisation because of their persistent cough and fever,’’ he said. He said he hasn’t prescribed antivirals to any of his patients.