Fevers, influenza cases surge in Hyderabad hospitals

Hospitals and clinics in Hyderabad are reporting a rise in viral infections, particularly respiratory illnesses. Doctors urge timely diagnosis, caution against self-medication and improper antibiotic use, and advise vulnerable groups to watch for warning signs and seek prompt medical evaluation.

Hyderabad: Private nursing homes, clinics and government hospitals in Hyderabad are witnessing a sudden spike in viral infections, especially upper respiratory tract infections, among people of all age groups. For the past week or so, both government and private healthcare facilities have been reporting a heavy influx of patients with high fever, persistent coughs and respiratory distress.

Seasonal disease experts and paediatricians have urged families to focus on timely and accurate diagnosis so that appropriate treatment can begin at the earliest.

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Doctors have advised parents against self-diagnosing and self-medicating children showing typical symptoms of viral fever. “Sometimes, a simple viral fever could also be influenza, which causes a lot of medical complications. Therefore, proper and quick diagnosis is important,” doctors said.

Paediatric wards and major facilities such as Niloufer Hospital have seen a sharp rise in young patients. Doctors have cautioned against dismissing prolonged flu-like symptoms, as infections can quickly affect the respiratory tract and lungs.

“There are clear signs of a change in weather patterns in Hyderabad and even in districts of Telangana. So, it takes time for the human body to acclimatise. Often, in such situations, persons with chronic health conditions are vulnerable to such weather conditions,” said Dr Musa Kharn, Superintendent of Fever Hospital.

Key precautions and symptoms to watch for:

• Children, pregnant women and senior citizens are particularly susceptible to infections.
• Individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes or hypertension face a higher risk of severe illness, including viral pneumonia.
• Watch for sudden high fever, severe body or joint aches, persistent dry cough, sore throat, extreme fatigue and, most importantly, breathing difficulties or shortness of breath.
• Physicians strongly advise against self-medication or the improper use of over-the-counter antibiotics for viral fevers.
• Public health guidelines recommend maintaining hand hygiene and wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
• Patients should seek prompt medical evaluation if symptoms persist beyond two to three days.