Pune: Doctors across city areas have observed a spike in influenza and other viral fever cases this month, alongside fevers caused by vector-borne infections amid the monsoon. Patients of all ages are affected, including children, adults and the elderly; some are also requiring hospitalisation, especially those with comorbidities, said medical experts.Dr Anand Kalaskar, general physician at Apollo Clinic, told TOI, “In recent times, we have had more than 10 patients visiting daily for viral fever and influenza-like illness (ILI)-related complications, which is a 20% rise from previous weeks. While the monsoon has played a major role in the rise, unhealthy food and contaminated water also contribute. Some common symptoms reported are headaches, bodyache, dry cough and high fever.”Any fever should not be casually dismissed as ‘just viral’, as more serious infections can present with similar symptoms in the early stages, warned Dr Mahendra Dadke, consultant, internal medicine, Jupiter Hospital. He also said, “Dengue and chikungunya are still big problems, but we are also seeing a lot of viral fevers and ILI cases, too. There is a substantial increase in patients at our hospital with acute fever and flu-like symptoms. Appointments for fever have gone up by 30% compared to last month.”He added, “Some patients may need hospitalization, especially those with high persistent fever, dehydration, breathing difficulty, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, bleeding or altered sensorium. Patients usually present with sudden onset of fever, severe myalgia (muscle pain), extreme fatigue, headache, chills, sore throat or respiratory symptoms, while chikungunya may be associated with prominent arthralgia (joint pain).”A similar rise in viral fevers has been observed in the eastern parts of the city, too. Dr Dattratraya B Patil, consultant physician at Noble Hospitals and Research Centre, said, “There is significant increase in patients presenting mostly with high-grade fever, headache, body pain, joint pain, running nose, cough, throat pain, vomiting, loose motions, etc. The majority of patients are being treated on an OPD basis and recover well with treatment. Some people do require hospitalization, most of whom having comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, asthma, heart disease, obese and malignancies. These patients are getting more severe symptoms and complications.”Doctors also cautioned people to avoid self-medicating until dengue has been ruled out, especially with aspirin or medicines such as ibuprofen, because of the risk of bleeding, said Dr Jayant Khandare, consultant of paediatrics and neonatology, Surya Mother and Child Super Specialty Hospital.He added, “Persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, bleeding, breathing difficulty, marked drowsiness or worsening weakness should prompt urgent medical assessment. Early evaluation, adequate hydration and careful monitoring remain especially important for young children, older adults and people with underlying illnesses. First line of management is bed rest, maintaining adequate hydration, and eating healthy food. Increase intake of fruits, consult early with a physician, and take the necessary treatment.”
