Jamshedpur, March 22: Along with a gradual rise in COVID-19 cases, Jamshedpur is now also under the grip of fever, upper respiratory tract infections, and seasonal influenza. The city has also reported four fresh cases of Covid-19 that brought the health department on its toes.
Experts opined that fluctuations in weather and rains have led at least 10-15 patients with lower and upper respiratory tract infections, viral fever, and other related infections daily. Most of them are reporting with complaints of sore throat, fever, runny nose, cough, allergic bronchitis, asthma, and middle ear infections.
With symptoms being similar to COVID, people are becoming increasingly confused. With a low platelet count and a number of symptoms being common signs both in COVID and dengue, some doctors are advising patients to get tested for both.
An official of MGM Medical College and Hospital said that seasonal influenza, also known as the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that typically occurs in the fall and winter months. It is caused by different strains of the influenza virus, including influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2) and influenza B.
The symptoms of seasonal influenza can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. In some cases, it can lead to more severe complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and even death.
The flu can be spread from person to person through droplets when someone with the virus coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also be spread by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year. Other preventive measures include washing your hands regularly, avoiding close contact with sick people, covering your cough or sneeze, and staying home if you are sick. If you do get sick with the flu, it is important to rest, drink fluids, and take medications to alleviate symptoms as recommended by a healthcare professional.
The administration has decided to opt for a multi-pronged approach to deal with the highly contagious disease. On a priority basis, school and college students will be sensitized about the dos and don’ts to prevent infection.
Besides, the administration also has plans to create awareness through loudspeakers and distribution of pamphlets about its symptoms. “We will soon discuss the strategy of the campaign and train health workers and officers for it,” said an official.
Officials said their focus will be to urge people to wash their hands regularly and keep away from crowded places. The awareness campaign will target slum dwellers and educate them about the disease.