Hyderabad sees sharp rise in influenza-like illnesses as temperatures dip

Hyderabad hospitals are reporting a sharp rise in viral fevers and influenza-like illnesses amid overcast and chilly weather. Patients with high fever, body aches and cough are crowding clinics and major hospitals. The DPH has advised vulnerable groups to seek early medical care.

Hyderabad: Overcast and chilly weather conditions prevalent in Hyderabad and surrounding regions has 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, cough and cold, the typical symptoms of viral fevers and ILIs.

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Seasonal flu is an acute and contagious respiratory infection characterized 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 to 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 flu shot, which will help them recover faster, in case they fall sick, doctors advised.

Some symptoms:

*Cover mouth/ nose with tissue paper during cough/ sneeze.

*Wash hands often with soap and water.

*Patients should avoid touching 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.