Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Sep 18: Highlighting the importance of early testing, Dr Hanraj Alva, the general physician advised people to not step back from undergoing a test for coronavirus.

Addressing media here on Friday, September 18, Dr Hansraj Alva said, "As the number of coronavirus cases in the district is on the rise people are refraining themselves from getting tested. I advise people to test themselves so that the spread of the virus can be contained. Coronavirus is a self-limiting illness and therefore early diagnosis is vital."

"Currently, there are two types of testing that are available for detecting this disease, Rapid Antigen test and RT-PCR test. If a person tests negative in the Antigen test while being symptomatic he will be required to undergo an RT-PCR test. Lately, misinformation surrounding the test reports. All these allegations are false as a test result cannot be manipulated. One of the reasons, for a false result, can be due to incorrect sample collection technique, improper storage or handling of the sample taken and also the faulty machinery used to derive the results," said Dr Alva.

"People have qualms when they test positive for coronavirus infection. The virus is fatal for those who have underlying diseases or in cases where the blood oxygen saturation is less than 94%, such conditions need extra attention," he added.

Giving his opinion on the Plasma therapy, Dr Alva said, "Plasma therapy is not new, this form of treatment has been in existence for a long time now. The people who have low immunity can be treated by plasma in a theoretical sense, however, this is not a surety."

"Once an individual is placed on a ventilator, the chances of survival are low. My aim is that people should not reach the ventilator stage. For this reason, early detection of the disease is necessary. In recent times, many who suffered from fever consulted local doctors and consumed antibiotics believing that they have contracted coronavirus infection. The government has rolled out Ayushman Bharath Scheme, people make use of this scheme as the rates under this are fixed by the government and therefore there no scope for receiving exorbitant hospital bills. Nodal officers have been appointed and daily updates on the corona situation are being sent to DHO, DMO and the deputy commissioner. There is a need for more testing kits and better health infrastructure. Mask is the vaccine, social distancing is immunity and handwash is the medicine," said Dr Hansraj Alva.