
Delhi battling another COVID-like outbreak - Hospitals Overflowing with Patients
Flu Cases Surge in Delhi-NCR: Overflowing Hospitals Force Govt to Issue Guidelines
Hospitals in the Delhi-NCR area have noted a dramatic increase in serious flu-related hospitalizations in recent weeks. Doctors report that the majority of patients are admitted with severe respiratory symptoms, which are similar to those of a COVID-19 infection. During the transitional months, seasonal flu cases are typical, but this year's outbreak has been very bad, straining medical facilities to their breaking point. Experts say that the majority of cases are taking longer than expected to heal, and some patients are also exhibiting serious symptoms like bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.
Physicians are seeing an uncommon increase in patients with persistent flu symptoms, such as high fever, sore throat, body pains, and dyspnea. Influenza B and H1N1 swine flu, two virus subtypes notorious for their severe consequences and rapid dissemination, have been implicated in a number of these instances. The health department of the delhi government has cautioned that if quick containment measures are not taken, the situation may get worse over the next few weeks.
The most worrying aspect of Delhi's worst swine flu outbreak, according to a survey
According to a recent LocalCircles study, 54 percent of delhi households are reportedly experiencing symptoms of swine flu (H5N1), including fever, sore throat, cough, headache, stomach issues, joint discomfort, and respiratory issues. The survey also highlighted that these cases are fueling fear among the public as the symptoms closely resemble COVID-19 infection. The survey also found that small children and the elderly (those over 50) are most at risk for contracting these symptoms.
Delhi's Worsening Flu Situation: Who Is At Risk?
The number of flu cases in hospitals in the Delhi-NCR area is alarmingly high, and several facilities are at capacity. According to a survey, the majority of emergency departments are crowded with patients who are suffering from severe flu symptoms, such as difficulty breathing and oxygen deprivation. According to sources, the flu wards in government hospitals such as AIIMS, Safdarjung, and Lok nayak Hospital are currently operating at full capacity, and private hospitals are also having difficulty with the patient load.
The rising number of people needing acute care and oxygen assistance has alarmed medical professionals. Dr. amit Sharma, a senior pulmonologist at a prestigious hospital in delhi, states, "We are seeing an alarming number of young and elderly patients experiencing complications such as pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)." "This year's flu strain appears to be more aggressive, and in some cases, we are even witnessing co-infections with COVID-19, making treatment more challenging."
According to the LocalCircles study, the elderly (those over 50) and young children are particularly vulnerable to developing these symptoms. However, according to medical professionals, the current strain is extremely aggressive and affects individuals of all ages.
Government Issues Guidelines
The delhi administration is thinking of releasing emergency health guidelines to stop the virus's spread after the unexpected increase in flu cases in the nation's capital. Among them are:
Donning a mask -- Given that the flu is extremely contagious, medical professionals are recommending the usage of data-face masks.
Wash your hands often.
In order to detect and isolate severe cases early on, authorities may increase the number of flu tests conducted in diagnostic facilities and hospitals.
Hospitals are being told to keep enough antiviral treatments, such as Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), and other necessary pharmaceuticals on hand to treat severe cases.
In order to prevent problems and slow the virus's spread, authorities are urging high-risk individuals to get vaccinated against the flu.