By Sampada A. Khatiwada
Kathmandu, Oct. 3: Sabin Shrestha, 25, was feeling sick and feverish. He also had a stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, and muscle aches. “As I had already received COVID-19 vaccine and had contracted the novel coronavirus last year, I was pretty confident that I might be suffering from seasonal flu,” said Shrestha, who had been on rest at home.

But Shrestha panicked when he found out that all of his family members including his 83-year-old grandfather were also showing symptoms similar to his. “We immediately rushed to the hospital to take the COVID-19 test,” he said. “The next day, we were surprised to see that all of us had tested negative.”

“We were relieved, but the doctor suggested undergoing influenza test, which showed that my family was suffering from seasonal flu,” said Shrestha. “With some medications and rest, we recovered after a week, but the symptoms were harsh for all of us.”

Like Shrestha’s family, many families are currently suffering from seasonal flu, whose symptoms are similar to that of COVID-19.
As per the World Health Organisation’s Global Influenza Surveillance Report, over 224 cases of influenza were recorded in Nepal during September alone. Similarly, according to the doctors, the cases of seasonal flu, caused by influenza virus type A and B, had gone up in the last two months.

Dr. Runa Jha, director at the National Public Health Laboratory, said, “In comparison to the previous year, cases of seasonal flu have significantly increased.”
“Last year, the nation was in lockdown. During that time, enough samples could not be collected to ascertain the status of influenza viruses,” said Dr. Jha, adding, “The cases of COVID-19 were high last year so people were cautiously abiding by the health safety standards. This year, as the cases are declining, people have become negligent.”

“As following public health standards are equally important in preventing influenza virus infection, flouting these measures could be the reason behind the massive increase in seasonal flu,” said Jha.
Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun, chief of the clinical research unit at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Teku, said that cases of seasonal flu are reported from February to March and July to September. 
“Over hundreds of flu cases are reported every week in July, August, and September. This year, Influenza virus type B is found to be more significant,” said Dr. Pun. “On the basis of the number of flu patients visiting the hospital, it is certain that seasonal flu prevails in the community in high number.”

Differentiating COVID-19 and seasonal flu
According to Dr. Pun, it is not easy to differentiate between the symptoms of COVID-19 and seasonal flu. “Generally, if patients having flu symptoms also suffer from loss of smell and taste, then such patients are suspected to have contracted coronavirus.”
“Also, the effect of transmission of influenza virus is usually seen in two days of coming in contact with the infected patient while the effects of transmission of coronavirus are seen after four to six days,” he said.
Dr. Rabindra Pradhananga, coordinator of Mucromycosis Management Committee at TU Teaching Hospital, said that flu patients suffer from difficulties in the nasal area, stuffy nose, cough, tiredness, and mild fever. “On the other hand, high fever, severe headache, body pain, loss of smell and taste, among others, are the symptoms of COVID-19. Coronavirus patients do not have major difficulties in the nasal area,” he said.
Both, Dr. Pun and Dr. Pradhananga said that undergoing the COVID-19 test was vital for patients suffering from both symptoms.
“Once the coronavirus infection is ruled out, then we suggest the symptomatic patients take influenza test,” said Dr. Pun.

Treatment of seasonal flu
Dr. Pun said that the treatment procedure of coronavirus infection and influenza virus infection was completely different. “Seasonal flu can be treated at home by taking rest and increasing the consumption of water and soups. In some cases, medication might be needed for senior citizens, children, and those suffering from chronic diseases,” he added.
He said that medical assistance must be sought if the flu patients do not recover in a week. “In this pandemic era, people are only concerned about COVID-19 and tend to neglect other contagious diseases such as influenza. If left untreated, influenza virus could cause pneumonia,” said Dr. Pun.

Prevention
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) has said that abiding by the public health standards could help prevent COVID-19 and seasonal flu.
Dr. Krishna Prasad Poudel, spokesperson for the MoHP, said, “Maintaining hand hygiene, physical distancing, wearing masks, using sanitisers are the ways to stay away from seasonal flu.”