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Worried about Covid-19, flu double attack? Here's all you need to know to stay safe this winter

 The Covid-19 virus is still raging and the rest of the world. The fear factor still looms large since there is no surety on the availability of a safe Covid-19 vaccine in the immediate future.

And now with the lockdown restrictions being slowly done away with and the winters knocking on the doors, there is increasing fear that the virus might get stronger. Winters are when increasing numbers of flu cases are reported in the country. So, will there be a double attack of the viruses?

Many are curious to know whether winters will bring in more trouble and whether even the slightest symptoms of cold and cough means the need to get tested for Covid-19 or not.

Cities are slowly opening up and not closing down. The medical fraternity is still trying to study and understand the true nature of the virus. It is clear that it is hard to assume what the nature of the virus will be in the coming months. Remaining safe and alert by following the rules and not taking any chances remains the ground rule thus far.

Doctors agree that most respiratory viral infections tend to be worse during the winters and in cold climates as viruses tend to thrive in such weather. But they add that studies in India have suggested that seasonal influenza peaks during the monsoons. Also, the fact remains that in places like the temperatures do not fall to the single-digit and sub-zero levels.  doctor Lancelot Pinto, consultant respirologist, PD Hinduja Hospital says that the flu seems milder this year in countries that have a high incidence of seasonal influenza-related illnesses and deaths. “We may have experienced milder seasonal influenza this monsoon too. This could be due to the lockdown preventing groups of individuals from being in crowded situations, universal masking, hand sanitizing, and physical distancing that works well for the flu as it does for Covid-19.”

Cities are slowly opening up and not closing down. The medical fraternity is still trying to study and understand the true nature of the virus. It is clear that it is hard to assume what the nature of the virus will be in the coming months. Remaining safe and alert by following the rules and not taking any chances remains the ground rule thus far.

So here are the answers to some questions that are frequently being asked about Covid-19 and winters:

DOCTOR’S ADVICE FOR THE UPCOMING WINTER SEASON

Doctor Lancelot Pinto says that the advice for the upcoming winter season remains the same. “Avoid the three C’s - closed spaces, crowded places, and prolonged close contact with individuals.”

HOW TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN COVID-19 AND COMMON FLU?

It is difficult to differentiate between Covid-19 and the common flu as symptoms overlap significantly. “Anyone who has respiratory symptoms - running nose, sore throat, and cough with or without fever needs to be tested for both.”

WILL THE VIRUSES CO-EXIST THIS WINTER?

Even though a lot depends on how vulnerable or immunocompromised an individual is, it is still difficult to know how the viruses will co-exist or compete this winter. “This is a unique situation in which we have a virus to which the population is naïve along with a virus to which the population has some degree of immunity," Dr. Pinto said.

WHO ALL ARE AT RISK?

Both the flu and Covid-19 affect vulnerable populations the most - the elderly, individuals who are immunocompromised and have co-morbidities. Such individuals must be protected.

“The flu vaccine is a well-tolerated, easily administered vaccine that offers protection against severe manifestations of the flu and is strongly recommended to the vulnerable individuals,” Dr Pinto added.



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