Flu cases explode in Kolkata with sharp drop in jabs – Times of India

Kolkata News
KOLKATA: A sharp drop in flu vaccination for both children and adults since the pandemic began in 2020 has led to more frequent and severe flu epidemics and one is now raging in the city, say doctors who expect a third Covid wave to strike in about a month-and-a-half.
Chances of mortality are higher for those struck by both Covid and the flu, the experts warn.

“Since March 2020, people have restricted their visits to hospitals and doctors and flu vaccination has dropped. But it is necessary for both children and the elderly to cut out the threat of a double viral attack which could be fatal,” said paediatrician Santanu Ray. He added that before the pandemic, 50% of Kolkata’s children and 20% of senior citizens would receive the flu jab. This has now almost stopped, causing an exponential growth in flu cases.
It is the frequent temperature fluctuation that is causing the spike in viral and vector-borne diseases, say the experts. High-grade viral fever and common cold are sparking Covid fears due to overlapping symptoms and sending people scurrying to get RT-PCR tests done.
“We have seen a marginal rise in the number of Covid tests at our hospital. The percentage of Covid positives, however, remains steady at around 5%. So, it can be assumed that most are suffering from influenza,” said Peerless Hospital microbiologist Bhaskar Narayan Chaudhuri, adding that it is difficult to identify rhino virus, human meta-pneumo virus and influenza virus unless a test is done. “Many are getting Covid tests done but a test to determine influenza is rarely done since it is easily curable and the test is expensive,” he said.
Scores of children have been struck by a persistent cough over the last fortnight and are being forced to undergo a Covid test, said paediatrician Santanu Ray. “In some cases the cough is accompanied by fever and respiratory distress. Those with a history of respiratory illnesses like asthma are suffering more. Children are more vulnerable due to their low immunity but few are testing positive for Covid,” said Ray.
The common viruses trigger similar symptoms which recede in 3-5 days, said Chaudhuri. One of the symptoms that can distinguish Covid from other viral infections is a running nose, he said. “Covid patients lose their sense of smell but rarely have a runny nose. They tend to have a dry cough to begin with, though a blocked nose is common. Both influenza and Covid patients may have high temperature but in the case of the former, the fever tends to be lower,” added Chaudhuri.
According to internal medicine consultant Arindam Biswas, it is advisable for those above 65 to get an annual influenza jab. “Those above 50 with comorbidities like cardiac ailment, diabetes or kidney ailments should also take the jab. But since the pandemic, very few have taken the shot. This enhances their risk of mortality,” said Biswas.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/flu-cases-explode-in-city-with-sharp-drop-in-jabs/articleshow/85441924.cms