Influenza Outbreak In Kolkata In The Midst Of Covid 19 Pandemic

Ankita Gurung
Ankita Gurung
Influenza In Kolkata

With the beginning of pandemic and lockdown in 2020 in India. And all around the world, there was a sharp drop in flu vaccination. A sharp vaccination drop for both children and adults. It has led to severe and more spread of flu.

Influenza flu is a contagious respiratory caused by Influenza Virus. t can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk of serious flu complications.  There are two main types of influenza (flu) virus: Types A and B. The influenza A and B viruses that routinely spread in people (human influenza viruses) are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year.

The risk of death is more on individuals struck both by Covid and flu. Since the time of lockdown and the country was hit by a pandemic in March 2020. People have restricted going outside or even hospital. Because of complete lockdown all over the country.

According to a Pediatrician ” It is necessary for both children and the elderly to cut out the threat of a double viral attack which could be fatal,” said Santanu Ray.

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People are at higher risk of double attack by the virus. It is important to get vaccinated before they are hit by a double attack and risk their life.

According to experts, it is frequent temperature fluctuations that cause the proliferation of viral and vector-borne diseases.

Pediatrician Santanu Rey said that dozens of children have had persistent coughs. And have been forced to undergo a Covid test in the last two weeks. “In some cases, coughing is associated with fever and dyspnea. People with a history of respiratory illnesses such as asthma suffer more. Children are more vulnerable because of their weak immunity, but Covid Few people test positive for, “

The symptom is somewhat similar to Covid but it is less harmful than Covid 19 and people are taking expensive Covid tests for this. The symptoms last for 3 -5 days only. The only difference between Covid and Influenza is running nose.

People above the age of 65 are advised to influenza vaccination annually. An adult over the age of 50 who has different health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease also needs to take the vaccination.

About 10%-15% of patients admitted at three leading private hospitals in Kolkata suffer from influenza. Influenza contains symptoms like the H1N1 virus and its non-swine flu variants. It is turning Kolkata into an epidemic situation. Vaccination is important to protect ourselves from Influenza as well Covid 19  virus.  Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu is different from a cold.

The symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat,  and also running nose which makes it different from Covid 19 symptoms.

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