Omicron, Influenza viruses responsible for spike in re-infections, cross-infections

Hyderabad is witnessing a spike in cross-infection due to influenza viruses and re-infections due to the Omicron variant.

People who test positive for Covid 19 repeatedly are because of immune escape and mutation of the Omicron variant.

Presently Omicron variant BA.5 is increasing across the state and country, according to the INSACOG data of genomic sequencing.

The number of teleconsultations has seen a rise in the last three days and many of them prefer online diagnosis rather than visiting the hospitals.

The symptoms are mild as it affects the throat and nose region due to the vaccination.

"Coronavirus is now behaving like the influenza virus. Due to the mutations, re-infections are bound to occur. There will be multiple re-infections in people. The reasons could be lowered immunity, a new variant of the virus which the immunity cannot recognize, and exposure time to the virus. Since people had given up masks and were not very particular to wear them even in crowded places there are chances that their exposure time is longer and that has led to higher infection levels. But infections are mild as they are only in the throat and mouth region. Due to the vaccination, it is not affecting the lungs and other organs of the body," said Dr. Ramana Prasad, a senior pulmonologist at KIMS Hospitals.

The reinfection time in India is 90 to 180 days, according to the various hospital data collated by physicians.

Some are complaining that they have got infected for the first time.

"Asymptomatic carriers were very high in the last three waves. Since now it is presenting in the mouth and throat region, the testing is being done. While these are showing Covid 19 positive, there is also cross-infection with both corona and influenza viruses infecting the people. This means that both the viruses are infecting at the same time. It requires mild medication. People must abstain from self-medication of antibiotics," said Dr. Mustufa Afzal, senior infection specialist with Care Hospitals.

How does Coronavirus affect the mouth and throat region?

With the virus entering through the nose, the immunity in the mucosal linings is low compared to that of lungs and organs. The mouth and throat region will have inflammation, inability to eat, drink, and cold. Cough is the last stage of the infection where the virus is ejecting out of the body. Some people suffer from cough for six to seven days.