Test dodge, self-testing blur case reality

Vadodara: It was always believed that the number of persons tested for Covid-19 may be far lower than those infected by it. But this gap may be wider these days than ever before during the pandemic.
It has come to light that several persons having symptoms like Covid-19 are not getting themselves tested in laboratories. They either do not get tested at all or perform a self-test at home.Many doctors are also of the opinion that given the spread of the disease coupled with milder symptoms, it was not necessary to go in for tests.
The advise is particularly being given for children and young persons without co-morbidities or medical conditions that could lead to complications.
Though the number of Covid cases are spiking at a much higher rate this time, medical clinics aren’t witnessing the rush. “The number of infections is very high in the third wave but that hasn’t led to an equal rise in the walk-ins at our clinic. The number of Covid patients in the clinic is almost the same as the second wave,” said Dr Pankaj Gupta, consulting physician, MD (medicine), Vadodara.
“While many are taking rapid tests at home, we are also not asking every patient to get tested at the lab. Most of them have mild flu-like symptoms and are recovering within five days,” Gupta told TOI.
Yogesh Brahmbhatt, who was infected with Covid 10 days ago, said, “When I got body pain and mild fever, I took the rapid test at home instead of rushing to a laboratory and the results were positive. I consulted my physician on phone and recovered within a week.”
“For young people with mild symptoms, patients should strictly follow doctors’ suggestions of isolation and to remain under medical supervision,” said Covid-19 advisor, Dr Sheetal Mistry. He added that right now, the stress should be on preventing serious disease and hospitalisation.
Indian Medical Assocation’s Vadodara chapter president Dr Mitesh Shah said that there may not be a major change in the line of treatment, but a positive report ensures that a person does not stay in denial and quarantines.
Infectious diseases expert, Dr Hiten Kareliya said that the trend had its roots in the west where restrictions were being lifted or the disease was on its way to be treated as endemic. “Test data helps us decide on strategies for the pandemic. Some people still become serious and are hospitalised. There are deaths too and hence it would not be correct to avoid a test,” he said.
Dr Viral Patel, MD pathologist of Pathocare Lab, Vadodara said, “We witnessed heavy rush of people for Covid tests in the initial 10 days of the third wave. But now, the numbers are steady and there is no panic for testing and to get results quickly. The rush to get tests is less compared to the rate of infection this time.”