Influenza Cases With Covid-Like Symptoms Surge, Scientists Raise Concern

A fresh surge in influenza cases is being reported across the country with symptoms lasting more than a week, raising concern among scientists even as the incidence of covid-19 abates.

- Priyanka Sharma

Although the new wave is not causing deaths and hospitalization, the symptoms are similar to those of covid-19 and last for as long as 2-3 weeks, medical scientists said.

As a result, blood samples of patients who test negative for covid-19 are being sent for further testing and sequencing for HINI, or swine flu.

"A large number of influenza cases are being reported across the country with symptoms lasting more than a week.

Although it is not creating to any kind of severity, death or hospitalization, it definitely is making people ill for 2-3 weeks. There is a need for government to investigate in this direction. We will raise the issue of the spike in influenza cases in the health ministry," said a senior government scientist requesting anonymity.