Mutated flu alert: Symptoms are much more severe
Prof. Dr. Recep Tekin from Dicle University has announced that a mutated influenza virus has caused a rapid increase in cases in the city in recent weeks, noting that the disease is progressing more severely than in previous years.
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Applications to healthcare facilities in Diyarbakır have risen significantly in recent weeks. Prof. Dr. Recep Tekin, a faculty member at the Dicle University Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, stated that the primary reason for this increase is a mutated influenza virus.
SYMPTOMS LAST LONGER THAN LAST YEAR
Prof. Dr. Tekin stated that the influenza cases seen this year are both more severe and last longer. Noting that there has been a high density of viral upper respiratory tract infections recently, Tekin said:
“There has been an increase in influenza, rhinovirus, adenovirus, and RSV in recent weeks. However, the dominant virus of this period is influenza. Patients are presenting with complaints of fever, cough, headache, widespread body aches, and shortness of breath.”
DENSITY IN INDOOR SPACES INCREASES RISK
Emphasizing that the time spent in indoor environments has increased with the winter season, Tekin said that sudden temperature changes also weaken the immune system. He stated that the most frequently detected viruses in the city are influenza, RSV, and rhinovirus.
“INFLUENZA IS PROGRESSING MORE SEVERELY THIS SEASON”
Prof. Dr. Tekin noted that the influenza virus, which changes every year, has emerged with more pronounced symptoms this season and made the following assessment:
“This year, patients are experiencing severe muscle and body aches along with high fever lasting 3–4 days. Symptoms can persist for longer. Rest is very important. In cases of fever lasting more than three days, a doctor must be consulted. The elderly, pregnant women, and children should be monitored more closely.”
“INFLUENZA IS SEEN MOST FREQUENTLY IN RECENT WEEKS”
Addressing the frequently asked question in the community, “Is Covid completely over?”, Tekin stated that Covid-19 is still being seen but is not progressing as severely as it did during the pandemic:
“It is not correct to say that Covid does not exist, but it is now progressing like a classic flu. In recent weeks, we are encountering more influenza cases.”