Flu cases go viral in Bengaluru with changes in climate

BENGALURU: Sunil Shastri (name changed), a resident of Banaswadi, has been experiencing evening fevers, continuous wet cough and blocked nose for the past few days. On May 28, he had got drenched in rain and probably that triggered the ailments.

Though Bengaluru is known for its great weather, the same causes a spike in flu-like symptoms, respiratory ailments and vector-borne diseases every year during changes in climate. This phenomenon occurs at least twice every year, and has become evident in the past few weeks, as confirmed by doctors. “Three other members of my family and many people at my workplace have also developed same symptoms, Sunil told The New Indian Express.

Homemaker Renuka S said her six-year-old son started suffering from headache, high-fever and cough since Friday afternoon. “He has not eaten any food from outside, but goes to school on a two-wheeler. So it is likely that the weather change caused him these symptoms,” she added.

Cardiologist Dr Ramana Rao said change of climate invariably brings along with it new strains of virus. “Of late, we see a lot of viral infections, most of which affect the respiratory tract. So you will find flu-like symptoms, and every year we find different varieties of flu affecting the human body, some very dangerous and some not so much, especially affecting the elderly and children.” Dr Rao said many mosquito-borne infections were also being seen.

Dr Sanjay Kanth, an epidemiologist with the state-run Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme, warned how seemingly a mild symptom like cough could in fact be caused by tuberculosis. “An increase in lung infections has been seen in the recent times,” Dr Kanth said. He advised consumption of only boiled water, food from either home or at a hygienic place and avoiding proximity with others who are affected, especially for children.

Padma Sundaram, a pulmonologist at Manipal Hospital, has warned that the coming few days could also see people suffering from viral infections.She added that people who already have respiratory ailments like asthma could see their symptoms become more noticeable.