Virus alert, which one is it?

CHENNAI: About a month ago, it looked like COVID-19 was inching its’ way out, albeit reluctantly, when the virus changed its mind and stayed on. Around the same time, dengue crossed over and latched on like a bloodsucker, pun intended. As if there was a dearth of health complications in the State. AH1N1 flu (influenza) paid a visit and decided to overstay, like a family member we don’t like but must cope with. Inappropriate jokes notwithstanding, it has become a challenge even for the best multitasker to keep up with the viruses and their myriad problems. Here are the differences in symptoms, treatment process, man- agement, dietary requirements and the overall im- pact these viruses on the body for COVID-19, AH1N1 flu or influenza and dengue.

Similarity in symptoms between COVID-19, influenza and dengue adds to people’s confusion, as it delays treatment and causes fatalities, especially among those in the high-risk category. Here’s a cheat sheet by Shweta Tripathi

SYMPTOMS

Influenza

High grade fever, cold and cough for about 2-3 days Fever subsides after 2-3 days in most cases with treatment Likely to have body ache, dry cough and fatigue even after fever subsides Children, elderly, people with comorbidities, patients on immuno-suppressants and suffering from immuno-compromised conditions must be extra cautious

COVID-19

for about 3-5 days Many have loss of smell and taste Long COVID-19 – difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and brain fogging – common in high-risk category patients Breathlessness and chest pain among elderly, people with comorbidities and also suffering from immune- compromised conditions

Dengue

Fever usually accompanied with chills, nausea, vomiting Bone and joint pain when fever reoccurs for over 3-5 days, A dip below 50,000 platelets requires immediate medical care.

TESTING

Protocol by the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine

Influenza: Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test is done on nasopharyngeal or nasal swab at several labs in the State

Dengue: Blood test to detect viral antigens by ELISA

COVID-19: RT-PCR test via mouth or nose

TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT

3 CATEGORIES OF PATIENTS

1.MILD

Testing for influenza not required No need for Oseltamivir but should be monitored for 24-48 hours via analgesics and antiviral meds Home isolation recommended

2.UNCOMPLICATED BUT HIGH RISK

High grade fever of 102 Fahrenheit or more Anyone above 65 years, pregnant women, babies, and kids aged below 5 years, patients with comorbidities do not require testing Must be given Oseltamivir along with other treatment Home isolation recommended

3.COMPLICATED

Breathlessness, haemoptysis (coughing up blood), altered mental status, seizures, decreased urine output, worsening of symptoms, comorbidities Must be tested for influenza Must be hospitalised

DIET

Influenza:

Consume lots of fluids, fruits, tender coconut water and fruit juices made at home Buying fruit juices from shops and consuming cold items must be avoided Easily palatable food items preferred Avoid outside food

Dengue:

Easily digestible food and lots of fluids, including fresh juices, coconut water and ORS Consumption of food with Vitamin C promotes antibodies for faster healing and recovery Green leafy vegetables, cod liver oil, beetroot juice, papaya and pomegranate juice or black grape juice recommended to increase platelet count

COVID-19

Eat a moderate diet with immunity- boosting food items and foods that help build muscles

VACCINATION

Influenza: Kids from six months to 8 years need 2 doses during the flu season. For everyone else, 1 dose each season Dengue: First and only licensed vaccine developed by French firm Sanofi Pasteur available in India – Dengvaxia

COVID-19: The first, second and precautionary booster dose of Covaxin and Covishield vaccines to be taken. Corbevax is for children aged 12-14 years. Sputnik V, Moderna vaccines, Johnson& Johnson vaccine and ZyCoV-D are also available in India Whole grains and a protein-rich diet along with healthy fats such as dry fruits and items rich in Vitamin C and D.