Hyderabad sees 10 new Covid cases amid rising seasonal flu

Hyderabad reports 10 new Covid-19 cases and a surge in seasonal influenza, with mild symptoms. The XFG Omicron sub-variant is spreading across Telangana and other states, but experts urge calm as cases remain manageable, with precautions advise.

Hyderabad: Cases of Covid-19 and seasonal influenza have been steadily surging across Hyderabad and other Telangana districts over the past week.

While symptoms remain mild, private hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes in Hyderabad are reporting a rise in Covid infections. The Department of Public Health (DPH), Telangana, confirmed 10 Covid-positive cases in the last seven weeks.

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“I have seen nine Covid-positive cases in the last 48 hours from three different families,” said a senior pediatric specialist from a private hospital chain. “All are being treated in the outpatient department. Two of those positive cases are infants. The symptoms, however, are very mild, almost like a mild flu—in fact, often milder than a severe flu,” she added.

While overall cases are steadily rising, the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has reported nearly 163 cases of a new XFG variant. The new variant has been reported in states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat.

XFG is an Omicron sub-variant with a strong ability to evade immunity, which allows it to spread. “There are clear indications that symptoms are not severe, although cases are being reported. Based on feedback from other caregivers, there is no need for people to panic,” advised Dr. M. Kiran, a critical care and public health specialist at Gandhi Hospital.

In addition to Covid infections, the outpatient wings of private and government hospitals are registering a surge in viral fevers and influenza. The outpatient departments of Fever Hospital, Osmania General Hospital, and Gandhi Hospital have started witnessing a slight surge, which is expected to increase further due to fluctuating temperatures.

Some of the Covid symptoms this year:

• Mild fever or no fever
• Sometimes prolonged fever
• Fatigue, lethargy, and body aches
• Headache or sinus pressure
• Laryngitis or throat irritation
• Nasal congestion or runny nose
• Persistent sore throat
• Nausea, vomiting, or loose stools

Precautions:

• Avoid shaking hands with someone who is sick or when sick yourself.
• Use hand sanitizers frequently to avoid infection.
• Use a handkerchief when you sneeze or cough.
• Cases are usually mild, and people are recovering.
• People with comorbidities should be extra cautious.
• Masks can be worn by individuals who are sick.