Seasonal flu cases go up with sudden drop in temp

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

The flu, which usually begins 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.

“I see about 10 patients with flu-like symptoms daily, with the number increasing over the past one week due to changing weather,” said Dr Atul Gogia, senior consultant, department of medicine at Ganga Ram Hospital.

“As temperature is fluctuating, there could be more cases.”

Viral infections are self-limiting, which means the symptoms take five days to a week to subside. “You do not need anti-virals or other medicines to treat the flu, unless there are serious complications,” said Dr RK Singal, director, internal medicine, BLK Super-Speciality Hospital.

“At most, go for symptomatic treatment, such as having a paracetamol for fever and pain and decongestants for relief from lung congestion,” Dr Singal said.

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.

“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.

Children, people above 65 years of age and those with low immunity owing to underlying medical conditions are at highest risk, says Dr Singal.