Pune: Panic hits feverish high amid monsoon maladies

PUNE: Midway into the monsoon, social media platforms are flooded with panic-stricken questions on things to do after developing cough, runny nose, fever or body ache. With no major let-up in Covid-19 spread, even simple flu is sending people into a tizzy.


Medical experts said the prevailing panic reminded them of the similar situation during the H1N1 outbreak in 2009, which ended up with people lining up outside clinics and hospitals to get screened. They all agreed that people needed to calm down and exercise caution.

“There are many overlaps in symptoms between the seasonal flu and Covid-19. But there are certain symptoms that set Covid-19 apart. The most notable among them is exhaustion. It is not just body ache, which also happens in cases of influenza, but a feeling of being fatigued or drained. Besides, in common cold, breathing difficulties are generally not seen, but is a common symptom in Covid-19. And unlike Covid-19, oxygen saturation remains normal,” Abhijit Joshi, a physician based in Pune, said.

He said in case of any symptoms, people should be careful nonetheless. “The first thing that people should do is to isolate themselves. Then, they should focus on proper hydration, nutrition, observing their body temperature, seeking medical advice on any medication required, and go for gargling with warm water, besides inhaling steam,” he said.

General physicians said H1N1 had not been largely seen in patients this year, despite it being a seasonal virus now.

“In some Covid-19 patients, we have seen gastrointestinal symptoms as well, such as diarrhoea. Another symptom that we have observed in a few other Covid-19 patients has been the loss of taste and smell. Some other symptoms generally seen in common cold or influenza, like a runny nose, are rare in Covid-19, but not unseen,”

RT Borse

, intensive care in-charge at the Covid-19 unit at the

Sassoon hospital

, told TOI.

Borse said it was important to rule out the possibility of Covid-19 in case of certain symptoms for the sake of safety. But he also urged people not to panic.

“People should remember that the vast majority of the Covid-19 cases, about 80%, will be completely mild. The ones who are at high risk are senior citizens, diabetes or cancer patients or people with pre-existing medical issues,” he said.