Hyderabad: Chickenpox, flu, respiratory infections cases spike

Hyderabad: Hyderabad and its neighboring districts are grappling with a spike in upper and lower respiratory infections attributed to chilly overcast weather and early morning fog.

The situation is further complicated by the similarity in symptoms between the common flu and the new JN.1 variant of Covid, making accurate diagnosis a challenging task for senior doctors in the region.

General physicians in both government and private healthcare facilities are witnessing a surge in upper and lower respiratory tract infections of both bacterial and viral origins. Outpatient facilities are inundated with walk-in patients exhibiting flu-like symptoms such as dry cough, body pains, and fevers, which are common in both flu and Covid cases.

Dr Vyakarnam Nageshwar, an allergy specialist and founder of Integrated Allergy Standards of India, highlights the complexities in differentiating between viral and bacterial infections. Patients who initiate treatment early show faster recovery, emphasizing the critical timing in managing these infections.

Physicians recommend Covid testing if symptoms persist despite treatment, leading to patients being placed under isolation and receiving appropriate care. The challenging weather conditions have contributed to an increase in such cases, according to healthcare professionals.

Dr Mahaboob Khan, Superintendent of Chest Hospital, notes a surge in viral fevers and chest infections in the last fortnight but assures that patients, regardless of the infection type, are generally recovering. He advises avoiding contact with inclement weather conditions to minimize the risk.

Rise in Chickenpox cases

As respiratory infections dominate the medical landscape, another concern emerges in the form of chickenpox. Occurring annually during this period, especially among children, caution is advised.

Children infected with chicken pox may develop pimple-like lesions on the face and back, which later spread to the rest of the body. The infection can lead to complications such as pneumonia and brain infection.

Dr Sivaranjani Santosh, a Developmental Paediatrician in Hyderabad, stresses the importance of vaccination for chicken pox, particularly for children at 15 months and a second dose 3 to 6 months later.

“Treatment for chicken pox is symptomatic, involving paracetamol for fever, soothing baths, and lotions to alleviate itching. Notably, administering Aspirin is strictly discouraged” she added.