By Shanti Lama, Kathmandu, Dec. 15: COVID-19 patients, of late, have been detected with COVID-19 pneumonia even after testing negative for the virus.

According to Dr. Anup Bastola, chief consultant of Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, the hospital in recent times had been observing various cases of patients showing the symptoms of COVID-19 pneumonia despite testing negative for the virus. “Currently, more than a dozen patients with symptoms of pneumonia are receiving treatment in the hospital,” he added.

Dr. Bastola said that COVID-19 pneumonia was seen mostly in those patients who delay in getting their tests done after showing symptoms of the novel coronavirus.

“On November 26, a 50-year-old woman having symptoms of COVID-19 pneumonia had visited the hospital. She tested negative in RT-PCR test and antigen test, which implies COVID-19 antibodies were already present in her body,” said Dr. Bastola, adding “However, as she had been in direct contact with her husband, who had contracted the virus, and as COVID-19 pneumonia was detected in her X-ray report, we started her treatment.”

He further informed that the woman was discharged after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and ward for one week each. “Thus, it is important for those who have symptoms of COVID-19 but test negative for the virus to remain alert,” added Dr. Bastola.

“People tend to delay in undergoing PCR test even after showing symptoms. If one delays in getting his/her PCR test done, chances are high for him to test negative. Such person might suffer from pneumonia later,” said Dr. Bastola recommending everyone to undergo PCR test as soon as symptoms of the novel coronavirus are detected.

“The latest researches have shown that SARS-CoV-2 remains alive in the body only till nine days of contracting the virus. Rather than being concerned about testing positive or negative, one must not delay in visiting the hospital upon showing symptoms of the infection,” added Dr. Bastola.