Differentiating between Covid, influenza and allergy is key to effective treatment, prevention: Health experts
New Delhi : Under the Illness to Wellness campaign, ASSOCHAM, an apex body conducted a webinar titled ‘Badalte Ritu Aur Sankraman’- Flu transmission during Weather Transition’ on Thursday. Group of leading health experts from Delhi and NCR unanimously agreed that differentiating between Covid, influenza and allergy based on a patient’s symptoms is key to effective diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
In India, the monsoon season marks the peak for influenza virus, leading to ailments like common cold, fever circulation, among others, faced by a large percentage of the population. However, the influenza peaks in the winter. Due to regional climate differences, the influenza season differs across the nation.
In his welcome address Shri Anil Rajput, Chairperson, ASSOCHAM CSR Council, said “Flu season is an annually recurring time period characterized by the prevalence of an outbreak of influenza. In India, peak influenza virus outbreak typically occurs during winter and rainy season. In fact, factors such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, latitudes, cold and dry weather play a huge role in the seasonal trend of the flu outbreak in India.
“Eating a well-balanced diet with an adequate intake of water, dressing appropriately to the weather, getting plenty of sleep, exercising regularly and maintaining good hygiene are some of the preventive measures that should be taken to avoid this seasonal sickness”, he added.
According to Dr. Neetu Jain, Senior Consultant -Pulmonologist Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, PSRI Hospital, Vaccination is the single most important step people can take to protect themselves from influenza. She highlighted While influenza normally lasts for a week, an allergic reaction or Covid may last longer and could be more severe.
Get Flu shot before Flu gets you says Dr. Chhavi Gupta, Consultant Infectious disease fortis hospital, Noida. Respiratory tract infections remain one of the most important causes for morbidity and mortality in India., Influenza is one of the major etiological agents.
Dr Naman Bansal, Consultant, Internal Medicine Artemis Hospital outlined to differentiate the patients with high risk and low risk involved for faster recovery process as more than 90% of the cases are mild. Following a proper breathing regime, lifestyle changes, a regular diet and hydration can improve the person’s condition.
Health experts recommend the high-risk population to take an anti-influenza vaccine to avoid sever complications. Those suffering from post-viral fatigue syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome must focus on hydration and seek adequate treatment for the same.
Dr. Rajesh Kesari, Founder and Director Total Care Control, Delhi – NCR EC Member, RSSDI moderated the session and shared that Symptoms of flu may be confused with Allergies or even Covid-19 hence it is better to consult a doctor if you get Cold, Cough Fever, Sore throat and avoid excessive home remedies.