Hyderabad doctors flag rise in long-lasting viral fevers due to seasonal changes, weakened immunity

Hyderabad: Over the past few weeks, Hyderabad has been dealing with a noticeable rise in viral illnesses. Clinics are crowded, fever cases are stretching longer than expected, and many households report multiple members falling sick one after another.

Doctors say this is not due to a mysterious new virus, but a perfect overlap of seasonal factors, active respiratory viruses and weakened immune resilience across the population.

What makes this wave stand out is how widespread it is, affecting children, young adults and seniors simultaneously and how draining the illness feels, even after the fever settles.

What kind of illness are people experiencing?

Patients across the city are reporting a similar pattern:

• Sudden onset of high fever

• Intense body pain and fatigue

• Headaches and eye pain

• Throat irritation and persistent cough

• General weakness lasting well beyond recovery

In children, especially infants and toddlers, symptoms often begin like a regular cold but can worsen into breathing difficulty or chest congestion.

“We are seeing viral infections that don’t behave mildly,” says Dr Pradeep Kumar, a general physician speaking to NewsMeter. “Even young, fit adults are taking a week or more to feel normal again.”

Why is this happening now?

1. Sharp temperature fluctuations

Hyderabad’s recent weather has swung between warm days and cold mornings. Such abrupt changes strain the respiratory system and reduce the body’s ability to fend off infections.

Cold air dries nasal passages, making it easier for viruses to enter, while people spending more time indoors increases close-contact transmission.

2. Active seasonal respiratory viruses

Doctors explain that several seasonal respiratory viruses circulate every year, but this season they are spreading more aggressively.

Influenza-type viruses are particularly harsh; they cause stronger inflammation than common colds, leading to higher fevers, severe body aches and prolonged exhaustion.

“People expect a viral fever to resolve in two days,” explains Dr N. Lakshmi, internal medicine consultant. “Influenza doesn’t work that way. It hits hard and recovery takes time.”

3. Children acting as silent carriers

Paediatricians note that children often catch infections early and transmit them rapidly at schools, tuition centres and play areas.

While adults may experience fever and fatigue, children, especially those under five, are more likely to develop wheezing, fast breathing or chest involvement.

“Parents should not ignore respiratory symptoms in infants,” says Dr Ayaan Siddiqui, paediatric specialist. “A viral infection can escalate quickly in young lungs.”

4. Post-monsoon health stress

Even after the rains retreat, their impact lingers. Increased humidity, stagnant water and weakened immunity following repeated seasonal infections all contribute to illness.

Additionally, symptoms of viral infections often overlap with dengue or chikungunya, including fever, headache, and body pain, leading people to delay medical consultation, assuming it is “just viral.”

5. Lower baseline immunity

Doctors are also seeing the effects of lifestyle fatigue:

• Poor sleep

• Long work hours

• Nutritional gaps

• High stress levels

All of these weaken immune responses, making people more susceptible and slowing healing.

Why does recovery feel so slow this time?

Many patients complain that even after the fever breaks, the weakness lingers.

Doctors explain that certain viruses trigger strong immune reactions. While the virus clears, the body continues repairing inflamed tissues, which causes prolonged tiredness, breathlessness on exertion and brain fog.

“Rest is part of treatment,” says Dr Lakshmi. “If patients rush back to work, recovery stretches even longer.”

When should people seek medical help?

Most viral illnesses improve with rest and supportive care, but doctors urge immediate attention if there is:

• Fever lasting more than three days

• Difficulty breathing or chest pain

• Severe weakness or confusion

• Repeated vomiting or dehydration

• In children: fast breathing, poor feeding or lethargy

High-risk individuals like elderly people, pregnant women, diabetics and those with asthma or heart disease should consult early.

The treatment approach from doctors

Since these are viral infections, treatment focuses on:

• Controlling fever and pain

• Maintaining hydration

• Monitoring oxygen levels

• Hospital care for severe respiratory cases

Doctors strongly warn against self-medication and unnecessary antibiotics, which do not treat viral illnesses and can cause complications.

How residents can protect themselves

Health experts recommend basic but effective steps:

• Avoid crowded indoor spaces when possible

• Wear a mask if you have cough or cold symptoms

• Keep living spaces ventilated

• Ensure children stay home when sick

• Prioritise sleep, fluids and nutrition

• Vulnerable groups should discuss seasonal flu vaccination with their doctors

The larger message

Doctors stress that Hyderabad is not facing a medical emergency, but the current viral wave is a reminder of how quickly seasonal illnesses can spread in urban settings.

“Awareness is the biggest defence,” says Dr Kumar. “Ignoring symptoms, pushing through illness and delaying care only worsens outcomes.”

In conclusion

Hyderabad’s ongoing viral surge is driven by seasonal weather shifts, active respiratory viruses, increased transmission among children and reduced immunity from lifestyle stress. While most cases are manageable, early care, adequate rest and responsible behaviour are crucial to prevent complications.