PUNE: Some private hospitals in Pune are also testing suspected COVID-19 patients for influenza viruses, in addition to SARS-CoV-2, in order to avoid unnecessary use of steroids, blood thinners and antivirals.

A considerable proportion of people in Pune having fever and sore throat are testing negative for COVID-19. Vector-borne illnesses, such as dengue and chikungunya, as well as other monsoon diseases like diarrhea, typhoid and skin infections, have also been increasing.

Parikshit Prayag, infectious diseases expert at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, stated that all patients with a viral respiratory illness do not have COVID and this changes the management.

Prayag said that some patients with suspected COVID-19 are testing positive for influenza viruses, particularly influenza A virus subtypes. There are also patients who are testing positive for other respiratory viruses, such as parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and rhinovirus.

The emergence of circulating seasonal viruses appears to have outshined SARS-CoV-2, which was predominant till June. 

Maithili Kavthekar, director (laboratory services), Sahyadri Hospital stated that they are doing the PCR panel for other viruses. The percentage of COVID positivity at their hospital is around 6-7% compared to 30% positivity for influenza viruses. The percentage of dengue and chikungunya positivity appears to be 14% to 20%. Bomi Bhote, chief executive officer of Ruby Hall Clinic, stated that they have the facility to test other seasonal viruses and the test is conducted as per the clinicians’ advice. 

Experts emphasized that COVID-appropriate behaviour must be continue to be followed. Senior physician Madhav Dharme stated that people with symptoms should not go for self-medication with antibiotics, adding that mask wearing and social distancing must be followed.

Critical care expert Kapil Borawake said that all fever patients should be considered as COVID unless proven otherwise.

Source: ET Healthworld