Bengaluru is witnessing a sharp rise in viral infections, with doctors cautioning that this flu season feels more intense and exhausting than previous years. Physicians across the city report 8 to 20 new cases daily, and several have issued advisories urging people to stay warm, carry umbrellas or raincoats to avoid getting drenched, eat warm or room-temperature meals, and follow respiratory hygiene such as masking in closed spaces and covering the mouth while coughing.
At Trilife Hospital, Dr. N.G. Kanchan says she is treating nearly 20 patients a day, with most presenting with cough, cold, and high-grade fever. “Our OPDs are full — 90% of patients have flu-like symptoms, and some even require drips. Bengaluru’s dry weather, followed by a sudden dip in temperature and moisture, has prolonged the infection’s spread,” she explained. Schools have also been impacted, with temporary closures reported in Mysuru and OMBR Layout after students developed severe fever.
Similarly, Dr. S. Raghupathi from Malleswaram’s Vyalikaval noted a surge in the past week, describing symptoms as upper respiratory infections, fever, and runny nose, with a few cases of wheezing triggered by seasonal allergies. He cautioned that air-conditioning worsens cough and enables infections to spread faster in confined spaces.
At Sagar Hospital, Dr. Kamal Bhalla observed a fivefold increase in cases over 10 days, stressing that many patients wrongly rely on antibiotics. “This is viral. With correct treatment, recovery takes 3-4 days. Delay can increase the risk of pneumonia,” she warned.