Although Covid-19 cases have recently decreased significantly, infections from H1N1, also known as swine flu, and AH3 (Hong Kong flu) have been reported from various locations across the country.
Doctors have warned the public not to take H1N1 and AH3 virus infections lightly, as the viruses can be fatal, and many people have died from them in the past.
Since the beginning of 2022, at least 319 cases of H1N1 infection have been reported in Nepal, according to the World Health Organization’s Global Influenza Surveillance.
Similarly, 294 cases of the AH3 virus were reported during the same time frame.
Both the H1N1 and AH3 viruses are highly contagious and spread from person to person via infected people’s airborne droplets.
Doctors advise everyone to avoid crowds, wear face masks that protect not only from virus infection but also from polluted air, wash their hands frequently, and maintain social distance.
According to doctors, all cases of H1N1 or AH3 do not enter government records because there is no trend of performing mandatory tests like in Covid-19. Coronavirus tests are currently being administered to healthy people traveling abroad. Doctors advise influenza testing for patients admitted to hospitals for other diseases.
Health experts have warned that the H1N1 virus, which is as dangerous as the coronavirus, could cause a twindemic in the country.
“Even health workers are unaware of the spread of the H1N1 virus,” said infectious disease and critical care expert Dr Prabhat Adhikari.
“Influenza vaccines are available on the market, and those who can afford them get them as soon as possible.”
Major hospitals in the Kathmandu Valley have recently reported an increase in new cases of respiratory illnesses. Most viruses, including adenovirus, rhinovirus, and seasonal influenza, become active during the winter season, according to doctors.
Most symptoms of the H1N1, AH3, and coronaviruses overlap, according to doctors, which can cause confusion and lead to misdiagnosis. Patients with both infections (coronavirus and influenza) experience symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Several people have died in Nepal as a result of the influenza A virus sublineage—H1N1 and others.
According to the World Health Organization, Covid-19 mortality appears to be higher than that of influenza, particularly seasonal influenza.
