Before the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, swine flu was the last major pandemic that wreaked havoc in many parts of the world. Recently, cases of swine flu have increased rapidly in India.
According to media reports, Delhi recorded at least 15 cases of swine flu in August 2022, while Maharashtra has reported around 1,500 cases and 43 deaths this year.
Doctors have found that patients are mistaking the signs of swine flu as COVID infection, which can lead to improper treatment and spread of the disease.
“The big concern is that patients are coming in with COVID symptoms. They are being investigated. When their report comes negative, they are sent back home. The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of COVID-19,” Dr Vijay Mishra, medical director of Ranchi’s Bhagwan Mahaveer Medica Superspecialty Hospital, told PTI.
This makes it important to understand swine flu and know how to differentiate it from COVID.