A doctor has shared a CT scan on Instagram that he claimed showed the lungs of a young woman affected by influenza, warning that the viral infection should not be dismissed as harmless. Comparing influenza with Covid-19, he described flu as the “Chota bhai” or “younger brother” of Covid while highlighting the possibility of severe illness in some patients.
Explaining the CT scan, the doctor said the infection had spread extensively through the woman’s lungs. He claimed that while some patients experience symptoms for only a few days and recover, others can become seriously ill and require hospitalisation, intensive care or even ECMO, a form of advanced life support that can temporarily perform the functions of the lungs when they are unable to provide enough oxygen.
The doctor also said people should not rely on home remedies when experiencing concerning symptoms and should consult a medical professional. Influenza can cause mild to severe illness, with complications including pneumonia and respiratory failure in some cases.
