India Faces Surge in Viral: It’s flu season, and for Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee, an internal medicine specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in New Delhi, the situation is more overwhelming than usual. The extended monsoon, coupled with high humidity, has created a perfect storm for the spread of viral and bacterial infections across the city.
At 3 pm, his OPD is packed with patients experiencing high fever, body aches, and respiratory distress. One of them, a 14-year-old from Kalkaji, shows signs of a viral infection but doesn’t display dengue’s telltale rashes. After ruling out dengue, Dr. Chatterjee prescribes paracetamol and advises Covid-19 and swine flu tests if the fever persists beyond three days.
A Cocktail of Viruses
“This year is different,” says Dr. Chatterjee. “The September humidity has created ideal breeding conditions for a mix of microbes, including swine flu, influenza, Covid-19, dengue, chikungunya, cholera, and typhoid.” Hospital admissions for viral and respiratory infections have surged, with swine flu cases particularly rising over the past two weeks.
Viral fevers share similar symptoms, such as fever, body aches, and respiratory issues, making it challenging to diagnose without tests. Furthermore, one virus can weaken the immune system, making patients vulnerable to other infections. In co-infections, like dengue combined with swine flu, the severity of the illness can be amplified, causing potential organ damage.
When Dengue Gets Dangerous
Dr. Chatterjee’s rounds in the dengue ward reveal the vulnerability of patients with pre-existing conditions. Yogesh Gupta, a 46-year-old diabetic from Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, was severely affected by dengue due to his weakened immune system. “Diabetes exacerbates dengue symptoms by making blood vessels fragile and increasing the risk of hemorrhage,” explains Dr. Chatterjee. Managing fluid balance is crucial for dengue patients, especially those with underlying health issues like diabetes or obesity.
Another patient from Panipat, also 46, is in critical condition after receiving untested drugs. She had been to multiple clinics before arriving at the hospital with leaking blood vessels and rapidly dropping platelet levels. The fever may subside after a few days, but the virus can still wreak havoc. “It’s crucial to watch for signs like bleeding gums, blood in vomit, and breathlessness, and seek immediate medical help,” Dr. Chatterjee warns.
The Swine Flu Surge
The growing number of swine flu cases is another concern for Dr. Chatterjee. “Swine flu mimics other viral infections with symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, fever, and vomiting. It’s a respiratory infection caused by the H1N1 virus and typically lasts three to five days. But for some, especially those with underlying health conditions, it can turn serious,” he says.
While swine flu usually affects the upper respiratory tract, it can cause severe complications in those with weakened immune systems, leading to lung infections and a dangerous drop in oxygen levels. Secondary bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, can further complicate matters.
Many patients make the mistake of self-medicating with antibiotics, which don’t work against viral infections and can make things worse by compromising the immune system. “Antivirals are what’s needed, but only when a doctor deems them necessary,” Dr. Chatterjee advises. He attributes the current wave of swine flu to a lack of adherence to post-Covid precautions, urging people to wear masks and maintain hand hygiene.
Other Worrying Fevers
Apart from dengue and swine flu, Dr. Chatterjee also reports a rise in gastroenteritis, including cholera and typhoid, caused by waterborne bacteria during the rainy season. Poor drainage and contaminated water in urban areas have contributed to the increase in these infections.
Hydration remains a key treatment for most viral and bacterial infections. Maintaining electrolyte balance and flushing out toxins can significantly aid in recovery.