Slight uptick in Covid cases, experts say it’s because of flu testing in Delhi

According to doctors, the cases are rising due to the flu season because of which people are testing for Covid as well.

“Both the flu and Covid have similar symptoms which is being reflected in the tests conducted for Covid, except that the respiratory issues are stronger for the latter,” said a senior doctor at Lok Nayak Hospital, Delhi’s nodal hospital for Covid infections.

Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant, internal medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital said that Covid is here to stay, but he hopes that it remains in small numbers.

“We are not expecting that Covid would disappear but we hope it remains in small numbers, and we need to remain careful. Anyone suffering from a cold and sore throat should wear masks,” he said.

He also attributed the rise in Covid cases in the last 10 days to more tests after the surge in influenza over the last three weeks.

“Earlier, not many tests were being conducted, but now, people have started testing for Covid as well,” he said.

A total of 1,379 tests were conducted on Wednesday and 1,701 cases were conducted Tuesday, while on Monday, only 401 tests were conducted

However, hospitalisation has not spiked, and five patients were admitted to hospitals on Wednesday.

A total of 46 patients were reported to be in home isolation as well and the positivity rate was 3.05 per cent.