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Is A New COVID-19 Wave On The Way Or Is It A New Infection?

By Shantanu Sodhi +2 more

As COVID vaccination gains momentum all over India and there is a drop in COVID cases, we are all feeling relieved. But is it possible that we are faced with another health challenge? Is a new wave of COVID rearing its head? A survey has shown 28 percent of households in Delhi, have one or more members with symptoms that are very similar to COVID. The same has been reported in UP and Haryana. So what does this mean? Read on to find out-


Is it COVID or something else?

People in parts of India are complaining of symptoms of fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough, headache or body ache, all of which are taking a longer recovery period than usual. Now that we have been living in a pandemic for more than a year and a half, it is not surprising that people are confusing these symptoms with COVID-19 symptoms. In some cases, patients have fevers as high as 103 degrees Fahrenheit and above. Another concerning symptom is associated cough and cold.

Despite the uncanny similarities, after careful examination and monitoring, doctors have said that out of all these cases that have been reported, some were of dengue, some malaria and chikungunya while others were diagnosed to be COVID and seasonal flu. According to flu news in India, even hospitals have been receiving at least 50-60 cases of viral infection on a daily basis. 

What could’ve led to this surge in flu cases? Actually, flu (both influenza and swine flu) is common around this time of the year. The changing weather, extreme heat and excessive rainfall in different parts of the country are ideal conditions for the spread of the flu viruses.

Read More: All About New Omicron Covid Variant

Should I get tested for COVID?

It is important to remember that we are far from winning the battle against COVID and the moment you experience the above-mentioned symptoms, you should consult a doctor. Getting tested for COVID will not only ensure your safety but it will also help your family members continue to remain safe and cautious.

A report says, since mid-August, several residents of Delhi who have been experiencing COVID-like symptoms, got RT-PCR tests done. The reports came negative and doctors have only found it to be some kind of viral infection or vector-borne seasonal flu. 

However, your symptoms could indeed be triggered by COVID-19. So you cannot get complacent. 

If you cannot get a lab test, there are several home test kits available in the market. Buy one to determine if you have COVID or not. These are quick, user-friendly and reliable. It’s not just enough to rule out COVID, you should consult a doctor and get a proper diagnosis and follow the treatment for your fever. 

What are the precautions you can take?

There is a constant fear among people of a possible third wave of COVID -19. In a critical situation like this, one must take precautions at all times. The good news is that the precautions you take against COVID will also keep you safe from the flu. 

Here are a few things to remember:

1. Avoid close contact with people

You must always remember that it is never a good idea to be in close contact with people who are sick. As you maintain distance from others owing to COVID guidelines, continue to follow the same in order to protect yourself and your family from the flu. The same applies if you are feeling sick. Stay at home so that you do not spread the illness.

2. Cover nose and mouth

You must always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Like COVID, flu viruses are also spread mainly by droplets from the infected person and doing this will prevent others from falling sick. Wearing a mask as part of COVID rules will also protect you from flu in India.

3. Wash hands frequently

It is a known fact that maintaining good hygiene can keep illness at bay. Carry a hand sanitiser with you while stepping out and wash hands when you come home from outdoors. This helps fight germs and viruses because many of them enter our bodies through our hands.

4. Maintain healthy habits

Manage stress, sleep enough, stay hydrated, disinfect surfaces and eat healthy to stay fit and bolster your immunity. When you have strong immunity, your chances of an illness automatically reduces. 

5. Protect yourselves from a mosquito bite.  

Also Read: Omicron Variant: Latest News & Updates

Conclusion:

COVID-19 and flu in India have similar symptoms, which is why it is important for us all to continue observing COVID protocol so that we contract neither COVID nor the flu. Getting the correct diagnosis for your symptoms is important because the treatment for different diseases vary. It is also crucial that people get vaccinated as soon as possible. You may consider getting flu shots for added protection during this flu season.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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