Post-Covid OPDs witness steady stream of patients

Post-Covid OPDs witness steady stream of patients

TNN | Dec 19, 2020, 04.37 AM IST

Madurai: Even as the number of fresh Covid-19 cases are seeing a decline across the state, including Madurai, recovered patients are turning up in numbers at the post Covid-19 wellness centres in both government and private hospitals. While fatigue is the most common condition reported by patients post recovery, some patients have had more serious lung and cardiac-related issues.

According to doctors, around 5-10% of recovered patients show symptoms or develop conditions. At the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH), doctors are following up with patients over phone, encouraging them to come for check-up. “We call up around 100-150 patients in a day, usually a week after they are discharged and follow up in case of symptoms. Around 50% of recovered patients are coming in.”

“Patients who had 80% of lung involvement often develop lung fibrosis or scarring. Low oxygen saturation levels and vascular issues are also reported,” said a senior doctor at GRH. In a few cases, patients have suffered severe conditions like stroke or heart attack as well. “The elderly and those with co-morbid conditions must come for follow-ups post recovery. Patients who remain oxygen-dependent even after recovery must also come for reviews. Anti-coagulants are also given to some patients post recovery and they may be at risk of vascular issues if they suddenly stop the medicines or avoid follow-ups,” the doctor added.

“Fatigue is the most common condition reported. This fatigue is chronic and can affect patients from going about their regular work. Chronic cough and breathing difficulties are also common,” said Dr Padma Prakash Gandhiraj, chief intensivist and clinical administrator for critical care unit, Apollo Hospitals, Madurai. The doctor further said that some patients are also suffering brain-related issues like short term memory loss, loss of concentration, and decline in cognitive abilities. “Scarring of lung tissue and decline in cardiac functions is being seen in both elderly as well as younger patients. We are now seeing some patients who were in home isolation, turning to the post Covid-19 wellness clinic,” he added.

“We had some cases of even viral infection and cardiac issues initially. As cases have come down, now fewer people are turning up for post are. We are trying to encourage and educate patients to come for follow-ups,” said Dr B Kannan, medical administrator, Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre.