Bengaluru sees surge in patients with flu-like symptoms, respiratory infections

Bengaluru faces surge in flu and respiratory infections post-Diwali, with elderly and those with pre-existing conditions most vulnerable.

After dengue, Bengaluru has now been under the grip of flu, respiratory tract infections, and other viral infections for the past two to three weeks.

Attributing this to post-Deepavali environmental changes, fluctuations in weather and intermittent rains due to the recent cyclonic depression, doctors said that they are seeing at least 20 patients daily with flu-like symptoms. Apart from fever, most of them are reporting complaints of sore throat, runny nose, cough and, in some cases, pneumonia.

Out-patient departments in government hospitals are seeing a rush of patients. Doctors in the State-run Victoria Hospital said most patients who have pre-existing conditions such as allergies, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, and heart disease are particularly vulnerable. Notably, over 40% of the affected individuals are elderly, particularly those aged above 65 years.

“Common symptoms include one or two days of mild fever followed by a persistent cough, chest congestion, nasal stuffiness, and headaches.  Although this is the usual flu season, patients should not delay seeking medical advice to avoid complications,” said Victoria Hospital Medical Superintendent Deepak S.

The scene is no different in private hospitals. Sachin Kumar, Senior Consultant - Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine at Sakra World Hospital said the surge is being noticed over the past two weeks. 

“There has been a noticeable surge in respiratory illnesses with patients presenting with symptoms similar to flu, viral infections, or, in some cases, pneumonia. Over 30% of OPD cases are linked to this spike, with patients reporting over a week’s history of worsening cold, cough, and breathing difficulties. Although the current wave of respiratory illnesses is generally mild, around five patients out of the total cases may develop pneumonia,” he said.

Satyanarayana Mysore, Chairman, HOD of Pulmonology and Lung Transplant Physician at Manipal Hospitals, Old Airport Road, said the hospital is seeing a huge surge in respiratory problems and flu-like symptoms, notably around a 20% increase compared to last year (during the same period).