Bengaluru Rains Trigger Surge in Viral Infections, Hospitals See Spike in Respiratory

As Bengaluru transitions from pre-monsoon showers to steady rainfall, city hospitals are witnessing a sharp rise in viral illnesses, especially respiratory infections. Doctors across the city report a flood of patients showing symptoms like cold, cough, fever, fatigue, and body aches.

Dr. Darshana Reddy from Altius Hospital, HBR Layout, notes that around 60–70% of her outpatient department now consists of respiratory viral cases. The combination of sudden temperature drops, humidity, and increased indoor crowding is fuelling the spread of airborne viruses.

Children and elderly patients are among the most affected. Besides common flu symptoms, doctors are also seeing post-viral fatigue, viral arthritis (joint pain post-infection), and even unusual facial rashes in toddlers. Dr. Reddy says she treats 7–8 such cases daily, while Dr. Nasiruddin G from Fortis Hospital, Rajajinagar, reports a 30% spike in outpatient footfall.

At TriLife Hospital, Dr. Aditya Chowti confirms that cases of gastrointestinal infections are also on the rise, with the damp weather providing a perfect breeding ground for viruses. Flu cases here are 30% higher than in drier months.

Paediatricians are especially concerned. Dr. Sampat Kumar Shettigar from Kinder Women’s Hospital in KR Pura has seen flu cases among children nearly double — from 70 a week to over 130. He’s also treating toddlers with strange facial rashes likely linked to viral exposure post-travel.

Health experts urge caution, especially for vulnerable groups.

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