Delhi cold: Spike in seasonal flu cases with sudden dip in temperature

The flu, which usually starts with a sore throat is followed by 100 degrees fever and runny nose, now accounts for more than 50% of people showing up at out-patient clinics. Antibiotics should be used carefully

People with high fever, sore throat, runny nose and chest congestion are crowding clinics with seasonal flu registering a spurt with the sudden drop in temperature over the past week.

Sudden rain in Connaught Place in New Delhi, India, on Thursday, March 9, 2017. (Photo by Sushil Kumar/ Hindustan Times) (Sushil Kumar/HT Photo)

The flu, which usually starts with a sore throat is followed by 100 degrees fever and runny nose, now accounts for more than 50% of people showing up at out-patient clinics.

Some people also report severe headache and body-ache. The numbers are likely to go up, say doctors.

Read: Delhi cold: Weather department says forecast of wind chill not on its priority list

“I see about 10 patients with flu-like symptoms in a day, with the numbers starting to go up over the past one week due to changing weather,” said Dr Atul Gogia, senior consultant, department of medicine at Ganga Ram Hospital.

“There could be more cases in coming days as temperature is fluctuating.”

Antibiotics are not needed as long as the infection stays in the upper respiratory tract and your symptoms are limited fever, aches and pain, sore throat, cough and a cold.

Untreated infection in the lungs can lead to complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia, so visit a doctor if you develop pain in the chest while coughing or breathing.

Flu viruses travel through air in droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. You can inhale the droplets directly, or can pick up the germs from infected surfaces such as door knobs, computer keyboard, table top etc. that are eventually transferred when the person touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

Read: Rain effect: air quality improves in Delhi

“Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of warm fluids such as soup, herbal tea, etc, is important since fever tends to dehydrate the body,” said Dr Singal.

At highest risk are children, people above 65 years of age and those with low immunity owing to underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, heart disease, tuberculosis, etc.

“This group needs to be extra careful and see a doctor immediately after developing symptoms,” says Dr Singal.

When sick, you must:

Antibiotics