Test For Tuberculosis If Cough Persists

New Covid Treatment Guidelines

In a revised guideline for Covid-19 treatment, the Union Ministry of Health and Family welfare in its revised treatment guidelines says, "Test for Tuberculosis if cough Persists."  

According to the statement, it says that Doctors should avoid giving steroids to COVID-19 patients and advise them to go for Tuberculosis tests. The information says that drugs like steroids can increase the risk of a secondary infection like invasive mucormycosis also known as a black fungus.

The guideline recommends testing for Tuberculosis and other conditions if the cough persists for more than two to three weeks.

According to the NITI Ayog chief (Health), VK Paul expressed concern about the overuse and misuse of drugs like steroids. Earlier this week, he said, "There is a concern that whichever medicine we give it should be rationally used, there should not be overused. Last time, we saw a very scary situation when the contribution of medicine was to a very large extent responsible for Mucormycosis." The chief said during a press conference.

According to the guidelines issued by ICMR it stated that patients with mild illness need symptomatic treatment for fever and pain and, if needed, a nasal spray of corticosteroid. CT scans and expensive blood treats are only recommended for moderate severely- patients.

Further, it said, it has been mentioned that above 60 years patient those who cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and CAD Diabetes mellitus and other immunocompromised states (such as HIV) Active tuberculosis Chronic lung/kidney/liver disease, Cerebrovascular disease, Obesity will be considered as high risk for severe disease or mortality.