In its latest clinical management protocol, the Union Health Ministry said that Covid spreads mainly through airborne route. A majority of covid transmission is believed to occur "predominantly through the airborne route and droplet released when the infected person coughs, sneezes or talks". The ministry has also cautioned against the use of steroids in the treatment for covid.

The health ministry’s statement marks a change from the protocol of June 2020. In the clinical management protocol, the ministry had then mentioned that covid infection spreads mainly through close contact through respiratory droplets released when a person coughs, sneezes or talks. It was also mentioned that the infected aerosols can go upto 10 metres in the air.

"Current evidence suggests that the virus spreads mainly between people who are in close contact with each other, typically within 1 metre (short-range). A person can be infected when aerosols or droplets containing the virus are inhaled or come directly into contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus can also spread in poorly ventilated and/or crowded indoor settings, where people tend to spend longer periods of time in physical proximity. This is because aerosols remain suspended in the air or may travel farther than 1 metre (long-range)," the revised protocol said, attributing the findings to the World Health Organization.

The new clinical management protocol has incorporated changes with respect to the following as well:

Steroids: The treating doctor can use low dose oral steroids if symptoms persist beyond 7 days.

Ivermectin: Ivermectin was not included in the treatment last year. 200 mcg Ivermectin has been recommended for 3 to 5 days (not for pregnant and lactating women) to be taken on empty stomach.

Plasma Therapy has been dropped from the treatment.

(news source:ht)