Patna: Amid Covid-19 pandemic, seasonal flu cases on rise

PATNA: Hospitals in city have been witnessing a sudden rise in cases of seasonal flu like fever and cough following change in weather conditions. As the symptoms of seasonal flu are similar to Covid-19, people are found rushing to hospitals, clinics and labs to get their swab samples tested.
Nalanda Medical College and Hospital superintendent Dr Binod Kumar Singh said there has been a 20-25% increase in number of patients visiting the hospital with complaints of seasonal flu.“Many think that they have contracted Covid-19 as the SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses have common symptoms like fever, cough, body ache, fatigue and shortness of breath,” he added.
Dr Kumar said Covid test reports of most such patients came negative and they recovered from seasonal flu in 5-6 days.
Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) principal Dr Vidyapati Choudhary said at least 20 to 30% patients visiting the hospital in last 8-9 days complained of seasonal diseases. “The symptoms of Covid are quite similar to seasonal flu. Rise in number of such patients between September and November is common,” he said, adding people should seek medical assistance immediately after developing symptoms of flu.
PMCH superintendent Dr Bimal Karak has not ruled out the possibility of outbreak of dengue in September. “The hospital has kept a 30-bed dengue ward ready,” he added.
Asked about treatment protocols for Covid and seasonal flu, former president of Indian Medical Association (Bihar) Dr Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said, “Covid is much more infectious and contagious than seasonal flu. The line of treatment for the two viruses is different. In Covid, the patients are initially given anti-viral medicines because the virus affects multiple organs. In flu, there is no involvement of organs. The two viruses have similar presentations initially, but different consequences.”
He added people having fever, cough or cold should isolate themselves or get their samples tested. “Seasonal flu subsides in 5-6 days. However, if it lingers, people should seek medical help,” he said.