Hyderabad hospitals report spike in influenza-like illnesses amid cold spell

Cold and cloudy weather has led to a rise in viral fevers and influenza-like illnesses in Hyderabad. Major hospitals are seeing more patients with fever and respiratory symptoms. Health officials advise rest, precautions, and early care for vulnerable groups

Hyderabad: Overcast and chilly weather conditions prevalent in Hyderabad and surrounding regions have caused a significant surge in cases of viral fevers, especially in influenza-like illnesses.

For the past fortnight, nursing homes, small clinics, government general hospitals, including Gandhi Hospital, Osmania General Hospital (OGH), Fever Hospital, Nallakunta and NIMS have registered a significant rise in patients with high-grade fever, severe body aches, cough, headache, and cold, the typical symptoms of viral fevers and ILIs.

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Seasonal flu is an acute and contagious respiratory infection characterised by fever, cough, sore throat, body ache and fatigue and it spreads easily between patients when they cough or sneeze.

Patients with seasonal flu are advised to rest at home, drink plenty of fluids, and usually recover on their own within a week. The vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, children under 5 years, older adults of more than 65 years and individuals with chronic medical conditions, are at greater risk of severe illness and if they develop symptoms like seasonal flu, are advised to reach the nearest Basthi Dawakhana, Director of Public Health (DPH), Dr Nayak, in an advisory said.

Individuals with comorbid conditions and chronic ailments of heart, kidneys, liver etc are generally advised to get a flu shot, which will help them recover faster, in case they fall sick, doctors advise.

Advisory:

• * Cover mouth/ nose with tissue paper during cough/ sneeze
• * Wash hands often with soap and water
• * Patients should avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth frequently
• * Stay away from public places in case of fever, cough and sneezing
• * Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food
• * Adequate ventilation with outdoor air is recommended in all settings to reduce the transmission
• * Stay at home and limit contact with others if you are sick