Rain-disease symptoms mimic those of swine flu, say doctors in Mumbai

Mumbai city news: Data from the BMC show that the city has seen close to 100 cases of H1N1 and seven fatalities this year.

With the onset of the monsoon, viral and stomach infections are on a rise on the city, said doctors.

Dr Tushar Gosavi, a physician in Andheri (East), said, “I have been seeing at least three to four patients with viral infection every day. Most of them come in with complaints of runny nose, body ache and fever.” (Representational photo)

Dr Tushar Gosavi, a physician in Andheri (East), said, “I have been seeing at least three to four patients with viral infection every day. Most of them come in with complaints of runny nose, body ache and fever.”

He added that all these are also symptoms of swine flu, which makes it extremely difficult to differentiate H1N1 from normal flu.

Data from the BMC show that the city has seen close to 100 cases of H1N1 and seven fatalities this year.

Dr Gilbert Massey, a general physician practicing in the western suburbs, said he treated a family of six on Friday who had the flu.

“Living in compact spaces helps the virus to spread from one person to another. I ask all family members to
sanitise their hands before eating anything in the house,” he said.

Meanwhile, doctors are already treating patients with gastroenteritis, a result of consuming contaminated food and water.

“The number of cases will increase as the rains only worsen contamination,” Dr Massey said.

Dr Anita Matthews, an infectious disease specialist at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital in Sion
told HT that all types of viral infections thrive in fluctuating temperatures.

“Viruses thrive in humid weather and rapidly changing temperatures.
With the rains kicking in, there will be an increase in monsoon ailments such as dengue, leptospirosis and malaria,” she said.

Doctors have advised people against self-medication, as it may delay diagnoses.

“If fever lasts over four days, one must consult a doctor,” said a doctor from KEM Hospital.