Pneumonia, typhoid cases surge in Hyderabad; over 1,000 patients report to hospitals daily

Hyderabad: Hyderabad has been grappling with a surge in cases of pneumonia, influenza, typhoid, and conjunctivitis in recent weeks.

Over a thousand patients have been flooding government hospitals daily this month, seeking treatment for a variety of respiratory and infectious ailments. Healthcare professionals are on high alert, working diligently to address the rising health concerns.

Dr. Dishita Reddy, a specialist from Niloufer Hospital, said: "Among the patients, 70 percent belong to Hyderabad, and the rest are from other districts of Telangana."

The surge is occurring during the festive Dasara vacations, and experts anticipate the cases to increase further. At Gandhi Hospital and Osmania General Hospital, the number of pneumonia cases has significantly increased.

According to officials, they see approximately "30-32 cases of pneumonia and typhoid on a daily basis," with the number of dengue cases decreasing substantially.

The root cause of the spike in typhoid cases, according to OGH doctors, is water contamination, impacting economically vulnerable communities the most.

Symptoms and Recovery:

Pneumonia presents with symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, rapid, shallow breathing, chest pain, and loss of appetite.

Dr. Dishita Reddy explained that the symptoms usually manifest 2-3 days after infection, with recovery times varying from patient to patient. Bacterial pneumonia may require a longer recovery time, spanning from 4 to 21 days.

Typhoid fever, on the other hand, typically manifests its symptoms within 1 to 2 weeks after infection. Headaches, body aches, fatigue, and vomiting are common symptoms of this food-borne infection.

Fortunately, despite the rising number of cases, no fatalities have been reported at Niloufer Hospital. However, sensitive lung health may necessitate ventilator support in some cases.

Causes of the Surge:

The surge in pneumonia cases has been attributed to overcrowding and reduced physical activity. The spread of viral infections has also been accelerated by gathering spots like malls, where large numbers of people come together.

Water contamination and unhealthy eating habits during the winter season are considered major contributors to the increase in typhoid and dengue cases.

Preventing Infections:

To reduce the risk of infections, experts advise avoiding outside food, especially during the winter season. Limiting exposure to air conditioning for extended periods can also be beneficial.

Hygiene practices, such as thorough handwashing and cleaning exposed areas of the body after returning from outdoors, play a significant role in preventing infections.

Additionally, using indoor purifier plants, available in nurseries, can help reduce indoor air pollution, which is often more harmful than outdoor air pollution.

As Hyderabad grapples with the surge in pneumonia, typhoid, and influenza cases, it is imperative for residents to remain vigilant and follow preventive measures to protect their health.