In regards to recent times, we must be very well informed about the flu its symptoms, and its type so we can take better care and go for appropriate treatment.
Seasonal flu has already knocked on our doors and has affected many people. Pandemic flu and seasonal flu are very common nowadays and can show very similar symptoms which can mislead people.
Pandemic Flu (COVID-19) and Seasonal Flu
Pandemic flu is an outbreak of a new flu virus which is different from all currently known flu viruses.
Seasonal flu or Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by flu viruses A and B that infects the respiratory tract of humans.
The occurrence of pandemic flu (COVID-19) and seasonal flu
Pandemic flu is rare. Humankind has experienced 4 kinds of pandemic flu in the last 100 years.
Every year we experience seasonal flu epidemics. Fall, winter pandemics are the most common time for the seasonal flu epidemic.
The spread of COVID-19, the pandemic flu, and seasonal flu
Spreading of both seasonal and pandemic flu happens more or less in the same way via contact, air, cough, and sneeze, etc. Although a pandemic flu infects large masses because very few have immunity against the pandemic virus. Pandemic flu spreads faster and with different infections in individuals. Also because of the completely new genetics of the pandemic flu virus and its ability to mutate a maximum number of people get infected due to a lack of immunity against a foreign virus.
Seasonal flu spread mainly from person to person through shared breathing space, droplets from sneezing and coughing.
Vaccination of the pandemic flu (COVID-19) and seasonal flu
Every year seasonal vaccination are made to provide vaccination against seasonal flu. 6 months infants and everyone older should get a flu vaccine every year. Generally, one dose of vaccine is considered enough.
Vaccination is hardly available in the early stages of pandemic flu even if the medical departments maintain some pre-pandemic flu vaccines.
Treatment of the pandemic flu (COVID-19) and seasonal flu
Medications to treat pandemic flu can range from antivirals, cough treatments, analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, decongestants, and many more. Pandemic flu medications do not meet the requirement despite having emergency stocks ahead.
Who is under the most risk?
Small children, pregnant women, people above 65 years of age or with a long term medical issue are at risk of having complications under seasonal flu. One with serious medical conditions is under the same risk.
It is difficult to predict who would be at most risk of pandemic flu due to its unknown nature. Young healthy adults have been at more risk in past pandemics. A pandemic flu can be volatile and mutative so its potency to affect people can change as well. The current COVID-19 pandemic affects more people with pre-existing medical conditions.
Symptoms of the pandemic flu (COVID-19) and seasonal flu
Early symptoms of both seasonal and pandemic flu are similar which are cough, cold, body ache, fatigue, mild fever. In the case of very prominent and consistent symptoms consult a path-lab for evaluation and proper diagnosis of your condition.
Dr. B. Lal Clinical Laboratory is reliable and approved for diagnosis of pandemic flu and seasonal flu. You can anytime talk to our experts or visit us at our labs for the proper diagnosis of your disease.