Flu alert: ‘Stay guarded’

City doctors see significant surge in flu cases; they say symptoms may include nasal congestion and cough for upper respiratory tract infections

Flu activity is on the rise in Bengaluru. City hospitals are reporting a dramatic surge in the number of flu cases, especially over the past month. The number of patients suffering from upper respiratory infections and influenza has more than doubled. Doctors say it has been a prolonged viral season ever since July this year, with Influenza A continuing to be a front-runner alongside adenovirus and respiratory infection.

“We have observed an increase of about 50 to 70% in patients suffering from upper respiratory infections and influenza. The number of OPD cases with flu has significantly increased in the past month. They come with a sore throat, cough, fever, and myalgia. In severe cases, patients experience breathlessness and reduced oxygen levels,” said Dr Manjunath PH, pulmonologist at Gleneagles Hospitals.

Patients are also presenting with symptoms such as a cold, cough, fever, body pain, headache, watery eyes, and wheezing. Healthcare experts say the existence of broader effects such as general discomfort, tiredness, and muscle pain emphasises how these viral illnesses can affect multiple systems within the body. “Symptoms can range from upper respiratory tract infections to pneumonia, gastroenteritis, and even encephalitis (brain fever). Understanding the varied symptoms of respiratory infections is key to timely intervention.

These may include nasal congestion and cough for upper respiratory tract infections, persistent fever and difficulty breathing for pneumonia, and concurrent gastrointestinal symptoms for gastroenteritis. In severe cases, encephalitis can present with altered mental status and seizures,” informed Dr Anupama Menon, Consultant Paediatric Pulmonologist, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Marathahalli. Doctors say these infections are affecting all age groups. However, children below six years of age, those with chronic diseases, the immunocompromised, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.

Some hospitals have confirmed that almost 1 in 4 children with respiratory symptoms have been testing positive. The numbers are expected to rise in the coming months, with people gathering together for festivals and when temperatures drop.

Weather changes, high pollution levels, a lack of mask-wearing habits, the reopening of schools, and potential immune dysfunction after the covid-19 infection and vaccination could be some of the reasons responsible for the surge. Moreover, people mingling and travelling more this year might be yet another contributor.

“As people come into closer contact, especially in crowded settings like public transportation or social gatherings, the transmission of respiratory viruses becomes more prevalent, increasing the risk of infection for vulnerable populations, including children. Moreover, the relaxation of preventive measures such as mask-wearing and social distancing in certain settings may contribute to a higher likelihood of viral spread among children, particularly those with compromised immune systems or pre-existing respiratory conditions,” explained Dr Menon.

According to healthcare professionals, getting the annual flu vaccine can help minimise the severity of infections. Other measures, such as practicing good hand hygiene, following appropriate cough etiquette, wearing masks, and staying home when unwell, will help reduce transmission too. Ensuring proper indoor ventilation, maintaining a balanced diet, and monitoring respiratory health regularly will go a long way.

Furthermore, experts say integrating these measures with standard preventive guidelines is essential to safeguarding children’s respiratory health and minimising the impact of seasonal viral infections on vulnerable groups. “Avoid crowded places, wear masks, maintain proper etiquette while coughing, get vaccinated against influenza and stay home if you have signs of infection,” said Dr Suchismitha Rajamanya from Aster Hospital.