Surge in Mild COVID-19 Cases Across India: Hoarseness, Diarrhoea Among Most Common Symptoms

New Delhi — Hospitals across India are witnessing a sharp rise in outpatient department (OPD) visits linked to a recent surge in mild COVID-19 cases. While intensive care unit (ICU) admissions remain stable, doctors report a significant uptick in patients presenting with hoarseness, throat pain, diarrhoea, mild stomach cramps, and low-grade fever.

Over the past 10 days, OPD footfall has increased by three to four times, as per physicians at major hospitals. The predominant COVID-19 strains currently in circulation—JN.1, NB.1.8.1, and LF.7, all subvariants of Omicron—are known for their high transmissibility but relatively mild clinical profiles in the general population.

“At present, we are not seeing a surge in ICU admissions due to COVID-19 directly,” said Dr. Pradeep Bajad, senior consultant for pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad. “However, we are witnessing a marked increase in OPD footfall, with patient visits increasing nearly three to four times in the past 10 days. There is a noticeable sense of panic and heightened health vigilance, especially among individuals with existing comorbidities, senior citizens, and parents of young children."

Evolving Symptom Profile

The current wave presents with symptoms resembling a seasonal viral illness: mild, persistent fever; dry cough; hoarseness or loss of voice; nasal congestion; fatigue; muscle aches; and mild gastrointestinal issues such as nausea or diarrhoea. Most symptoms resolve within a few days.

“Hoarseness and loss of voice are among the most common complaints,” said Dr. Charudatt Vaity, director of critical care at Fortis Hospital, Mulund. “However, symptoms like loss of smell and taste, which were typical of earlier waves, are no longer commonly observed.”

“It is reassuring,” added Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant in internal medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. “The cases resemble routine viral infections, manageable with symptomatic treatment. There is no cause for alarm, but we are closely monitoring the situation."

Diarrhoea a Key Symptom in This Wave

Doctors have noted a significant increase in patients presenting with painless, watery diarrhoea followed by fatigue.

“Many are coming in with diarrhoea—watery stools for a day or two—followed by severe lethargy. Lethargy can persist for weeks. So, any patient presenting with unexplained diarrhoea should be tested for COVID-19,” advised Dr. Chatterjee.

Dr. Arup Halder, consultant pulmonologist at CMRI Hospital, Kolkata, also reported gastrointestinal symptoms such as loose motion and mild abdominal cramps, particularly in younger patients.

These symptoms, while concerning, are mostly self-limiting and do not typically require hospitalisation. Experts attribute this pattern to the JN.1 variant, which has shown a tendency to cause low-grade fever and gastrointestinal symptoms.

“We are seeing some GI symptoms like diarrhoea and nausea with this variant,” confirmed Dr. Vaity.

Short Recovery Period, Low Hospitalisation

Recovery from the current strain has been relatively swift for most patients, usually within four to seven days, especially among those without underlying conditions. Elderly individuals and those with comorbidities may take slightly longer to recover, but chronic complications have not been observed in this wave.

“Several feel better by the third or fourth day,” said Dr. Halder. “Even among the elderly or those with serious illnesses, we are not seeing extended illness or ICU complications at present.”

No Need for Antivirals in Most Cases

Most patients are recovering at home with basic supportive care, including rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications like paracetamol. Doctors emphasized that antiviral medications are generally not needed.

Despite the mild nature of the illness, medical experts urge vulnerable populations—including the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, and the immunocompromised—to remain vigilant. Continued mask usage in crowded areas, good hygiene practices, and prompt testing in the presence of symptoms are advised.