Health officials are concerned about the increasing trend of H3N2 flu cases associated with co-infection with Covid-19. They suggested increased testing as ICU admissions rise.
According to the scientist both Covid-19 and influenza have similar symptoms and can last two to three months and “circulate simultaneously in the community”. A top official said samples from suspected flu patients are also being tested for Covid-19.
Institute of Internal Medicine Education chairman Randeep Guleria said the H3N2 virus, a mutation of the H1N1 virus, spreads every year around this time. The number of cases is increasing because of their mutation.
“We also see that at this time of year when the weather changes, we are more likely to get the flu and also because we are now back to a non-Covid state where we don’t wear masks, I have a lot of pressure. This also allows the virus to spread more easily,” Guleria was quoted.
However, the top scientist recommended increasing the number of tests for Covid proportionally as the number of cases increases. The government should immediately mandate an Integrated Disease Surveillance Program to increase surveillance and testing.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched an all-India respiratory surveillance in 30 viral research and diagnostic laboratories.
According to the Chief Medical Officer at Delhi’s Fortis Hospital, as quoted by MINT, adenovirus, parainfluenza and covid-19 patients were infected along with those with H3N2 cases admitted to the ICU despite having been vaccinated against the flu. However, according to experts, these are not serious cases.
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