Ghaziabad: Symptoms similar, those with fever advised H1N1, Covid tests - Times of India

GHAZIABAD/NOIDA: Doctors are suggesting both swine flu and Covid tests for those turning up at clinics with fever. The number of patients with flu has increased in the past two weeks and since most symptoms of flu, swine flu and Covid are similar, doctors are relying on the reports to determine the line of treatment.
At Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital, Kaushambi, about five cases of swine flu have been reported at the OPD in the past few days. The district health department officials, however, said they have no such information so far. "We have not received any information about swine flu cases. Influenza is quite common in this weather," district surveillance officer Dr RK Gupta said.
Senior physician, Yashoda Hospital, Dr AP Singh, said in the past few days, he has seen about five swine flu cases. "About 15 influenza A (H3N2) patients and a few with influenza B were also here. Swine flu virus spreads rapidly through coughs and sneezes. It is important to exercise caution," the doctor said.
People who are most at risk are those with liver and kidney ailments, TB, HIV, anaemia, blood pressure problems and diabetes. Elderly people, pregnant women and children have to be extra careful, he added.
Symptoms of swine flu include cold, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, fever, chest pain, muscle pain, sore throat, trouble with sleep, tiredness, and headache. Most of these symptoms are seen among flu and Covid patients as well.
Dr RP Singh, senior consultant, MMG District Hospital, said about 20% of the 200 patients who visit his OPD clinic daily have the flu. "We are asking for swine flu tests as well so that we can rule out the options. We have not seen any positive cases so far," he added.
Dr Ashish Agarwal, IMA president, Ghaziabad, said it is important to follow Covid protocols. "Regular use of masks can be effective in controlling the spread of swine flu as well," he said, adding that no cases have been reported at the facility.
In Gautam Budh Nagar, no swine flu cases have been detected yet. "However, with more rains this year, we are asking residents to sanitise their premises," said Rajesh Sharma, district malaria officer.
At most hospitals, officials said 20-30% of all OPD patients have seasonal flu and Malaria cases have gone up from two to 10 in the past 15 days.
"Flu is common in this season. We ask for tests when the index of suspicion is high," said Dr Brigadier (retired) Rakesh Gupta, director, Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), Greater Noida.

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