Cough and cold cases up 40%, NCR doctors say, as they prepare for H3N2

Cases of coughs and colds have increased by around 40% in recent months.

The Noida Health Department conducted a study of 3,500 patients over the past three weeks, in which 660 patients showed Covid-like symptoms.

However, Covid-19 was not confirmed by the antigen test in any of the patients.

Experts have linked it to the fast-growing H3N2 flu. A person sick with the flu recovers in about three days, but suffers from colds and coughs for at least 3-4 weeks.

In conversation with IANS, lead physician and diabetologist Dr Amit Kumar said there was a big difference between H3N2 flu and Covid.

He said that although the symptoms of the two illnesses are similar, Covid-19 spreads more easily than the flu.

He explained that the flu is a viral fever and many patients who come to see him have a fever, and the second common symptom seen in these patients is cough.

He informed that 92% of the patients suffered from fever, while 86% suffered from colds and 16% suffered from shortness of breath.

Kumar said a person should see the doctor if they observe the symptoms.

He added that the situation becomes fatal if people get medicine directly from local pharmacies because antibiotics end up doing more harm.

He said taking doses of antibiotics should be avoided in this regard.

Kumar added that one should wear a mask in crowded places. When coughing and sneezing, your mouth and nose should be completely covered.

Along with this, one should avoid touching the eyes and nose repeatedly as the virus enters the body through the hands.

He added that any medication, even antibiotics, should not be taken without consulting the doctor and special care should be taken when consuming medication.

According to doctors, a viral infection can easily spread from person to person. When a person infected with the flu coughs or sneezes, its droplets can travel up to one meter through the air and infect a healthy person.

Doctors believe the risk of spread is highest in crowded places.

–IANS

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