Seasonal flu, viral fever haunt people in times of pandemic

HYDERABAD: Symptoms of the common flu and viral fever have worried residents in times of a pandemic. Cautioning against unnecessary panic, doctors advise rest and staying calm as the best route to recovery.
“Almost 60% of cases coming to us over the past week have been patients, including children, having symptoms of the common flu, often accompanied with a sore throat,” said Dr P Avinash, a family physician and paediatrician.
He suggested that for a common cold, steam inhalation and gargling were the best options, and, for those with symptoms of viral fever, a mild course of antibiotics.
With slight weather change, residents feeling under the weather are hitting the panic button. Shweta Rao, a resident of Gachibowli, said, “My child developed a fever a few days ago and was advised paracetamol. In fact, someone had said that even when his temperature becomes normal to give the medicine for an additional day in view of the pandemic.” Busting the myth, Dr Avinash said any extra medication is unnecessary and can be counterproductive. For children, he said any vaccines that have been missed must be given and for those with reduced immunity, an inactivated influenza vaccine is a good option in consultation with a doctor. Manish Reddy from Banjara Hills said when he had developed a fever, couldn’t help thinking of the worst. “I thought of getting a Covid test done, but the doctor asked me not to rush. Fortunately, it subsided within three days.”
While doctors suggest not taking any stress, they say immediate quarantine as the most responsible way to handle the situation. “Whether you have Covid or not, it is best not to expose your family and friends,” physician Dr Ramakrishna said. Dr Rizvan Ahmed, consultant physician – internal medicine, Continental Hospitals, said, “One should wait for three days before getting a Covid test done, any sooner could get a false negative which is of no use.”