Bengaluru: There has been no let-up in respiratory infections in the city this month, leaving doctors baffled by the persistence of cold, cough and flu cases even after summer has set in.
“Usually, we see a dip by late Jan or Feb,” said John Paul M, consultant in tropical medicine and infectious diseases at SPARSH Hospital. “We’re seeing a surge in acute pharyngitis and bronchitis, predominantly viral.There is a rise in bacterial pharyngitis/tonsillitis cases as well.”
“Our OPDs are still getting walk-ins for respiratory and flu issues. In the first two weeks of Feb, we received 10-15 flu cases a day. Cases still persist, which is a matter of concern,” said Dr Pavan Yadav, lead consultant, interventional pulmonology, Aster RV Hospital. “We received 20-25 patients with cold and cough per day in Dec as it was the peak of winter, and 15-20 cases in Jan.”
The city has been ravaged by six viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus, adinovirus, rhinovirus, Influenza A and B, and H1N1. “Covid has played an insignificant role in the present rise in infections,” observed Dr Satyanarayan Mysore, chairman and head, pulmonology and sleep medicine, Manipal Hospitals, Old Airport Road.
Dr Ravindra M Mehta, of VAAYU Pulmonary Wellness and Rehabilitation Centre at Jayanagar, pointed out that change in weather and social gatherings also raise the risk of respiratory infections. “Elderly people are travelling more. Also, the schools are functional in full force,” he said.
Dr Mysore said the persistent viral illnesses could be attributed to unusual monsoon changes and scanty rain. According to Dr Paul, seasonal factors supporting extended transmission, mutations evading existing immunity, and new strains in circulation could be contributing to the lingering respiratory infections.
Fortunately, only a few patients are landing in ICUs and hospitals, with most recovering in a week or so. “Many patients complain of lingering cough. Because of the cough, they get chest pain. It can be severe to the point of disturbing night sleep,” said Dr Mehta.
“Usually, we see a dip by late Jan or Feb,” said John Paul M, consultant in tropical medicine and infectious diseases at SPARSH Hospital. “We’re seeing a surge in acute pharyngitis and bronchitis, predominantly viral.There is a rise in bacterial pharyngitis/tonsillitis cases as well.”
“Our OPDs are still getting walk-ins for respiratory and flu issues. In the first two weeks of Feb, we received 10-15 flu cases a day. Cases still persist, which is a matter of concern,” said Dr Pavan Yadav, lead consultant, interventional pulmonology, Aster RV Hospital. “We received 20-25 patients with cold and cough per day in Dec as it was the peak of winter, and 15-20 cases in Jan.”
The city has been ravaged by six viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus, adinovirus, rhinovirus, Influenza A and B, and H1N1. “Covid has played an insignificant role in the present rise in infections,” observed Dr Satyanarayan Mysore, chairman and head, pulmonology and sleep medicine, Manipal Hospitals, Old Airport Road.
Dr Ravindra M Mehta, of VAAYU Pulmonary Wellness and Rehabilitation Centre at Jayanagar, pointed out that change in weather and social gatherings also raise the risk of respiratory infections. “Elderly people are travelling more. Also, the schools are functional in full force,” he said.
Dr Mysore said the persistent viral illnesses could be attributed to unusual monsoon changes and scanty rain. According to Dr Paul, seasonal factors supporting extended transmission, mutations evading existing immunity, and new strains in circulation could be contributing to the lingering respiratory infections.
Fortunately, only a few patients are landing in ICUs and hospitals, with most recovering in a week or so. “Many patients complain of lingering cough. Because of the cough, they get chest pain. It can be severe to the point of disturbing night sleep,” said Dr Mehta.
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