Second Wave of Covid-19 with Seasonal Influenza (Flu) in Uttar Pradesh, Northern India: A Cohort Study

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection, while influenza viruses cause the flu. SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus co-infection seems to be a real and serious concern. Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the clinical features, laboratory investigations, computed tomography scans, and interventions of Covid-19 patients during seasonal influenza. Methods: This was a multi-center prospective cohort study that collected data from hospitals, clinics, and laboratories on measurements, treatments, and outcomes from Covid-19 patients admitted to temporary Covid-19 care centers. Results: A total of 480 individuals (female, 231 [48.12%]; male, 249 [51.88%]) were recruited from March 31st to May 14th, 2021 at five hospitals/clinics in Uttar Pradesh, North India. The patients were divided into six groups based on their age (65+ years [25.41% of cases] being the most affected age) and five groups based on their conditions (asymptomatic 65 [13.54%], mild 94 [19.58%], moderate 206 [42.91%], severe 84 [17.50%] and critical 31 [6.45%]). Patients’ outcomes were documented as death (19 [3.95%]), recovery (421 [87.71%]) and under-treatment (40 [8.34%]). Conclusions: The most common clinical symptoms reported were fever, sore throat, and dyspnea. The severity was linked to the presence of hypoxemia, lymphocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and high blood urea nitrogen (BUN). The vast majority of patients were given symptomatic treatment. To distinguish between Covid-19 and the seasonal flu, any onset of fever should be suspected and examined for the viral strain.