Ahmedabad/Rajkot:The state recorded 170 new Covid cases in the 24 hours ending at 5pm on Friday. Of the total, 88 were from Ahmedabad city. A total of 68 patients were declared free of infection in Gujarat, of which 34 were in Ahmedabad.

In all, Gujarat has 717 active cases, according to the state health department bulletin, of which 23 are hospitalised and the rest, 694, are under home isolation. Gujarat did not record any new deaths on Friday.

The health department asked patients to self-monitor health indicators and approach a medical facility if they experience respiratory issues, chest pain, or other symptoms. The bulletin also advised citizens to maintain hand hygiene, avoid spitting in public places, and ensure that those with immuno-compromised conditions wear masks and avoid crowded places.

Ahmedabad city has 374 active cases, of which the West Zone has the highest number, with 128 cases, followed by 105 in the North West Zone and 66 in the South West Zone. In all, western city areas account for 80% of the city's total active cases.

On Friday, the state climbed to the second spot in active cases in India at 615, after 1,679 in Kerala. Gujarat was followed by 596 in West Bengal, 592 in Delhi, and 548 in Maharashtra, among others. The dashboard of the ministry of health and family welfare (MoHFW) indicated that India recorded the deaths of four active patients in 24 hours. The patients were found to have hypertension, diabetes, cardiac issues, liver disease, urinary tract infection, and pulmonary thromboembolism as some of the comorbidities.

City-based physicians said that the number of cases with flu-like symptoms is steady. Common symptoms include bodyache and headache, diarrhoea, high-grade fever, and sore throat, among others.

Doctors report that common early symptoms of Covid infection include high fever, intense body aches, and headaches within the first 24 to 48 hours. Most patients are treated based on symptoms, typically presenting with flu-like signs such as cough, cold, runny nose, and sore throat. Unlike the first two waves, very few cases have involved respiratory distress. Only a small number of hospitalized patients have required oxygen support. Young children remain with their mothers and receive symptom-based care. Most patients begin to recover within 24 to 48 hours, with only a few cases becoming critical.