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The Omicron variant of Covid-19 can be treated with paracetamol by people under 60 years of age who have no other comorbidities, according to Dr Shashank Joshi, a member of Maharashtra's COVID task force.
An endocrinologist in Mumbai, Joshi, spoke on Health4All by Heal Foundation about doctors prescribing antivirals like Molumpiravir for people older than 50 who have a strict fever coupled with comorbidities.
In contrast, "Omicron patients below 60 years with no comorbidities can start symptomatic treatment with paracetamol", he said.
Paracetamol, he added, should not be prescribed to children younger than 18 years old, pregnant women, or patients who need to be hospitalized.
According to reports, paracetamol 500 mg tablets were being administered to children along with Covaxin which is the only official Covid vaccine for teenagers in India.
Covaxin vaccine maker Bharat Biotech says teenagers should not take Paracetamol or painkillers after receiving it.
In addition, Joshi recommended paracetamol be used within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms for patients in high-risk groups, such as hypertensives, diabetics, those on immunosuppressive medications, senior citizens, and those with other ailments.
"Whenever we have a new disease which is constantly evolving, new treatment methods are also bound to come up. However, it is up to the doctors to identify the most vulnerable people and prescribe medication accordingly," he said.