New Delhi: Amid growing concern over the rising number of swine flu cases in states like Maharashtra and Karnataka, Hyderabad is seeing the emergence of acute respiratory illnesses with swine flu-like symptoms. Interestingly, tests for swine flu and Covid-19 were both negative.

Doctors suspect the presence of an unidentified respiratory virus, which is currently under investigation, said Amrita Didyala’s report for TOI. Medical professionals are currently conducting testing at Gandhi Hospital, Fever Hospital and Institute of Preventive Medicine (IPM) for a range of viruses including swine flu, Covid-19, influenza A and influenza B.

Experts pointed out that there are more than 200 types of respiratory viruses that can affect humans. Of these, the most common are influenza viruses, rhoviruses, enteroviruses, coronaviruses (including SARS and MERS), respiratory syncytial viruses, and parainfluenza viruses.

Viruses Stays For Nearly a Week 

Generally mild, these viruses go away on their own in 5 to 7 days and are often not tested. Although sources said some swine flu cases continue to be identified in public and private hospitals, state health authorities take a different view.

According to them, the number of swine flu cases this year remained below 50, down significantly from 256 cases reported last year. The epidemiology of RSV infection is well documented in young children (0-5 years) compared with children in other age groups.