Do not panic, was the advice of India’s top three doctors, who on Wednesday addressed issues and concerns related to COVID-19. Participating in the outreach were AIIMS director Randeep Guleria, Narayana Health Chairman Dr Devi Shetty and Medanta Chairman Dr Naresh Trehan. This comes a day after India recorded its highest single-day case tally of 295,041 and 2,023 deaths. `

“In COVID, more than 85% of people will recover without any specific treatment in the form of Remdesivir etc. Most will have symptoms like common cold, sore throat etc. Over 5-7 days, they’ll recover with symptomatic treatment. Only 15% may go to moderate disease, do not panic” Dr Guleria said via ANI FB.

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The AIIMS director, addressing the issue of the reported shortage of anti-viral drug Remdesivir, said, “Remdesivir isn’t a ‘Ramban’, it only decreases viral load in people who need it.”

On complaints from various states of oxygen shortage, Dr Trehan said, “Today we have enough oxygen if we try to use it judiciously. I want to tell the public that if you don’t need oxygen then don’t use it as a security blanket. Waste of oxygen will only lead to depriving someone who needs it”.

Dr Guleria added that if India as a nation works together to use oxygen and Remdesivir judiciously, there will be no shortage anywhere. “In terms of the number of people who need oxygen and oxygen supply, we are well balanced,” he added.

Kicking off the session, Dr Devi Shetty said, ” In case you are positive, see a doctor and get his opinion. Do not panic, COVID19 is common now. It is a problem that can be solved provided you get the medical help at an early stage and follow doctor’s instructions.”

The second wave of COVID in India has been very aggressive and fast-spreading. India has overtaken Brazil and the US in the number of daily infections. Several states have imposed lockdown and restrictions amid shortages of hospital beds, oxygen and medicines.