Prior to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, swine flu was the last major pandemic that wreaked havoc in many parts of the world. Recently, there has been a surge in swine flu cases in India.
Delhi has recorded at least 15 cases of swine flu in August 2022, while nearly 1,500 cases and 43 deaths have been reported in Maharashtra this year, according to media reports.
Doctors have found that patients are mistaking signs of swine flu infection with COVID, which can lead to improper treatment and further spread of the disease.
“Major concern is patients are coming with COVID symptoms. They are being examined. When their results come negative, they are sent back to home. The symptoms of Swine flu are similar to COVID-19,” Dr Vijay Mishra, medical director of Bhagwan Mahavir Medica Superspecialty Hospital in Ranchi, told PTI.
This makes it important to understand swine flu and know how to differentiate it from COVID.
