54% of Families in Karnataka Have At Least One Member with Covid, Viral Symptoms, Survey Shows

Karnataka, which has been grappling with Covid, has at least 54% of households having one or more persons unwell with viral or flu-like symptoms, a survey by LocalCircles shows.

Respondents were asked about the number of people in their family who currently have one or more Covid/ flu/ viral fever symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, cough, headache, joint pain, body ache, respiratory issues. Out of 3,783 responses, 23% indicated that “four or more individuals” in their household have one or more Covid/ viral fever symptoms; 23% said “two-three members”; 8% hinted at one person, and 46% stated no one.

In August, a similar survey was conducted in Karnataka, in which 33% of households were found to have one or more individuals down with Covid or viral symptoms compared to 54% this time around.

Few weeks ago, the Union health ministry sent an advisory to local authorities to maintain surveillance of “trends of influenza like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI)” leading to the state government stepping up vigilance. The states were asked to monitor “increase in respiratory illness predominantly due to usual causes like influenza, mycoplasma pneumonia, SARSCoV-2.” In addition, the states were asked to review hospital preparedness in terms of the availability of beds, masks, oxygen cylinders, antibiotics and ventilators.

A total of 15 deaths have been reported in the state since December 15, out of which, three patients were infected with JN.1 sub-variant.

Health officials said most of the Covid deaths in Karnataka were due to presence of comorbidities. Experts have stressed that there is no need to panic in the state as the infectious JN.1 variant seems to be affecting those who are elderly or have comorbidities.

With the majority of individuals with viral or Covid-like symptoms not undertaking the RT-PCR test, LocalCircles decided to conduct a citizen survey in Karnataka to estimate the magnitude of illnesses.

The LocalCircles survey received over 3,000 responses from residents of Karnataka. 62% respondents were men while 38% respondents were women.