Covid-19 protocols in place kept away influenza A (H3) for a few years
At this time of the year, with winter gradually creeping in, followed by chilly wind and dust blowing outside, the residents in Thimphu are dealing with a runny nose, cough, and cold, sore throat, and fever.
Most of the residents claimed that the disease was Covid-19 like seasonal flu.
Sonam Rinchen, a 32-year-old truck driver said that it’s nothing unusual but the symptoms he is suffering from this season are more difficult to deal with. He said, “I normally don’t need medical attention for the seasonal flu. But this time it felt severe, so I consulted the medical team.”
Moreover, the increasing Covid-19 cases across the border in India is instilling concern about contracting the disease among Thimphu residents. Particularly those who already suffer from influenza A (H3).
Influenza A (H3) is detected in the community after a few years. Dr. Sonam Wangchuk, the head Royal Center for Disease Control (RCDC) said that influenza A (H3) is a respiratory illness, a variant of the seasonal flu.
“Influenza A (H3) is highly contagious. Depending on which season a person gets infected, the severity differs from person to person,” said the head of RCDC.
RCDC outlined the symptoms of influenza A (H3). Patients could experience severe cough, chest pain, fever, sore throat, nasal congestion (stuffy nose), and body pains, especially joint and back pains.
However, many residents are not availing of medical services unless the flu outlasts the normal recovery period.
Chimi Yangden, 28, claimed that she tested Covid-19 positive in April with the omicron variant. Since then, she frequently contracted Covid-19 like flu.
She said, “I have been coughing frequently. I feel exhausted and often feel heavy. However, these days I cough intensely. I lost my appetite as I find foods tasteless and odorless, just like how I felt when I first tested Covid-19 positive, a few months ago.”
But Chimi Yangden is planning to let the recovery process take its pace as she was told that she will not get infected with the same variant of Covid-19 again.
She said, “The health officials said that if there’s an outbreak of new or dangerous variants of Covid-19, they will announce it officially and take serious measures.”
“I am not sure whether it’s influenza or Covid-19 that I am suffering from these days, but I will feel better naturally,” added Chimi Yangden.
Similarly, many suffering from Covid like the flu suspect the spread of new variants in the busy town. However, many are not visiting the flu clinic to get tested.
It is also noticed that people are more relaxed, many are seen crowding without face masks or Covid-19 protocol. Also, almost 95 percent of the population is vaccinated against Covid-19, and many are paying no heed.
Dr. Sonam Wangchuk claimed that influenza A(H3) returned after more than two years.
He said, “Covid-19 protocols in place helped the community to keep away influenza. Because in the earlier days of the Covid-19 outbreak in the nation, the schools and communities strongly adhered to Covid protocols.”
“But today, it seems like Covid-19 is not of huge concern globally. Thus, a similar route is followed in Bhutan too,” said Dr. Sonam Wangchuk.
He too suspects that the flu people are suffering from could be both influenza and the new Covid-19 variant although such cases aren’t studied or confirmed as of now.
However, RCDC advises people to wear masks, wash their hands, avoid crowded places whenever possible, and get immediate medical attention.
Also, the health facilities are providing flu shots for children below the age of two, elderly above the age of 65, and patients with underlying diseases to provide relief.
“People shouldn’t wait long to get medical attention if they suffer severely, it could get worse by the day. And also, it’s a personal responsibility to stay healthy and safe,” said the head of RCDC.
At this time of the year, with winter gradually creeping in, followed by chilly wind and dust blowing outside, the residents in Thimphu are dealing with a runny nose, cough, and cold, sore throat, and fever.
Most of the residents claimed that the disease was Covid-19 like seasonal flu.
Sonam Rinchen, a 32-year-old truck driver said that it’s nothing unusual but the symptoms he is suffering from this season are more difficult to deal with. He said, “I normally don’t need medical attention for the seasonal flu. But this time it felt severe, so I consulted the medical team.”
Moreover, the increasing Covid-19 cases across the border in India is instilling concern about contracting the disease among Thimphu residents. Particularly those who already suffer from influenza A (H3).
Influenza A (H3) is detected in the community after a few years. Dr. Sonam Wangchuk, the head Royal Center for Disease Control (RCDC) said that influenza A (H3) is a respiratory illness, a variant of the seasonal flu.
“Influenza A (H3) is highly contagious. Depending on which season a person gets infected, the severity differs from person to person,” said the head of RCDC.
RCDC outlined the symptoms of influenza A (H3). Patients could experience severe cough, chest pain, fever, sore throat, nasal congestion (stuffy nose), and body pains, especially joint and back pains.
However, many residents are not availing of medical services unless the flu outlasts the normal recovery period.
Chimi Yangden, 28, claimed that she tested Covid-19 positive in April with the omicron variant. Since then, she frequently contracted Covid-19 like flu.
She said, “I have been coughing frequently. I feel exhausted and often feel heavy. However, these days I cough intensely. I lost my appetite as I find foods tasteless and odorless, just like how I felt when I first tested Covid-19 positive, a few months ago.”
But Chimi Yangden is planning to let the recovery process take its pace as she was told that she will not get infected with the same variant of Covid-19 again.
She said, “The health officials said that if there’s an outbreak of new or dangerous variants of Covid-19, they will announce it officially and take serious measures.”
“I am not sure whether it’s influenza or Covid-19 that I am suffering from these days, but I will feel better naturally,” added Chimi Yangden.
Similarly, many suffering from Covid like the flu suspect the spread of new variants in the busy town. However, many are not visiting the flu clinic to get tested.
It is also noticed that people are more relaxed, many are seen crowding without face masks or Covid-19 protocol. Also, almost 95 percent of the population is vaccinated against Covid-19, and many are paying no heed.
Dr. Sonam Wangchuk claimed that influenza A(H3) returned after more than two years.
He said, “Covid-19 protocols in place helped the community to keep away influenza. Because in the earlier days of the Covid-19 outbreak in the nation, the schools and communities strongly adhered to Covid protocols.”
“But today, it seems like Covid-19 is not of huge concern globally. Thus, a similar route is followed in Bhutan too,” said Dr. Sonam Wangchuk.
He too suspects that the flu people are suffering from could be both influenza and the new Covid-19 variant although such cases aren’t studied or confirmed as of now.
However, RCDC advises people to wear masks, wash their hands, avoid crowded places whenever possible, and get immediate medical attention.
Also, the health facilities are providing flu shots for children below the age of two, elderly above the age of 65, and patients with underlying diseases to provide relief.
“People shouldn’t wait long to get medical attention if they suffer severely, it could get worse by the day. And also, it’s a personal responsibility to stay healthy and safe,” said the head of RCDC.
