Bengaluru hospitals are witnessing a significant surge in flu, respiratory infections, and influenza cases as the city experiences colder weather. Outpatient departments are handling over 50 patients daily, with 10 or more requiring hospital admission. Doctors warn this could be the worst seasonal outbreak since the pandemic, urging residents to re-adopt COVID-era precautions.
Experts Speak:
- Dr. Sheetal Chaurasia (Manipal Hospitals) reports a rise in cases since July, with weekly flu-positive admissions linked to cold weather and its impact on asthma and allergies.
- Dr. Vivek Anand Padegal (Fortis Hospital) highlights severe RSV cases requiring ICU care and notes post-viral complications like pneumonia and persistent coughing.
- Dr. Parimala Thirumalesh (Aster CMI) warns that children are especially vulnerable, with a 20% rise in respiratory cases compared to last year.
- Dr. Krishna Prasad (Motherhood Hospitals) emphasizes the growing cases of viral-induced wheeze in children, often requiring nebulisation therapy.
Key Advice for Protection:
- Mask up in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
- Maintain good hand hygiene and ensure proper ventilation at home.
- Get timely flu vaccinations, especially for high-risk groups like children and the elderly.
- Stay home when unwell to prevent spreading infections.
- Stay hydrated, eat nutritious food, and avoid overexertion.
As flu season intensifies, Bengaluru residents are reminded to prioritize health precautions to curb the spread of infections and ease the strain on healthcare systems.
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