Persistent cough and fever’: As cases of “flu-like” illness continue to rise, here is what doctors say

Symptoms like high fever, cold and cough, and body aches are on the rise across India. According to doctors, there is a surge in viral illnesses, especially flu-like illnesses.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), seasonal influenza also known as the flu is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. The flu is extremely common across the world.

Some doctors also revealed that other than viral cases like influenza and dengue, waterborne diseases like Typhoid infection, hepatitis, bacterial infections of gut, and malaria are other common infections causing a spurt in fever cases.

There has been an increase in the number of acute febrile illness cases. Viral cases like influenza and dengue have been on the rise. Waterborne diseases like Typhoid infection, hepatitis, bacterial infections of gut and malaria are other common infections causing spurt in fever cases. Cases of seasonal flu have been on the rise across India, with inexplicable viral outbreaks becoming increasingly more common of late. The flood-like conditions created by the recent incessant rains have further exacerbated the spread of infectious diseases in some areas,” Dr. Rajinder Kumar Singal, Principal Director & HOD in Internal Medicine Department at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi told Financial Express.com.

According to Dr. Singal, in recent weeks there have been cases of prolonged coughing, sore throat, sneezing, watery discharge from the eyes and wheezing in many people.

“Although summer months have begun, these flu-like symptoms along with allergic reactions have seen a significant rise. The spurt may be because of the common flu virus, H3N2, and H1N1 viruses. Some elderly patients have also required hospital admissions, and consequently developed pneumonia and bronchitis,” he added.

Viral fever frequently manifests as a slew of symptoms that vary in severity, he said. “Some Typical symptoms of Febrile sickness are Fever, weakness and fatigue, Body Aches and Pains, Headaches, Sore Throat and Cough, Runny or Stuffy Nose, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea,” he added.

According to Dr. Tushar Tayal, Lead Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, with the present slightly cooler temperatures and slight humidity, the weather conditions have become optimal for virus survival. Consequently, there is a surge in viral illnesses, especially flu-like illnesses.

“A lot of people are suffering from high-grade fever, cough running nose joint pain, and sometimes nausea and vomiting too. Most of these viruses belong to group A and B influenza viruses which include H1N1. And H3N2 also,” Dr. Tayal told Financial Express.com.

What are the warning signs?

According to Dr. Singal, in people with an acute fever, certain signs and characteristics are cause for concern. They include:

• Change in mental function, such as confusion
• Headache, stiff neck, or both
• Flat, small, purplish red spots on the skin (petechiae), which indicate bleeding under the skin
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate or rapid breathing
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• A temperature that is higher than 104 deg F (40 deg C) or lower than 95 deg F (35 deg C)
• Recent use of drugs that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants)

When to see a doctor?

According to Dr. Singal, people who have any warning signs should see a doctor right away. Such people typically need immediate testing and often admission to a hospital.

“People without warning signs should call the doctor if the fever lasts more than 24 to 48 hours. Depending on the person’s age, other symptoms, and known medical conditions, the doctor may ask the person to come for evaluation or recommend treatment at home. Typically, people should see a doctor if a fever lasts more than three or four days regardless of other symptoms,” he told Financial Express.com.

He also emphasised that viral illnesses do not need antibiotics, supportive care is the primary treatment for viral fevers. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and encourage recovery, he said.

What are some important therapeutic components?

• Rest & Hydration: Staying hydrated aids in the maintenance of biological functioning as well as the management of fever-related fluid loss.
• Antipyretics like Paracetamol can help lower temperature and pain.
• Symptomatic Relief: Cough syrups, nasal decongestants, and throat lozenges provide temporary relief from specific symptoms.

“Treatment of all viral infections is primarily symptomatic. People can take paracetamol tablets for fever, oral anti-allergic and nasal decongestants, and cough syrups. Steam and gargles will also help. There is no role of antibiotics in viral infections,” Dr. Tayal told Financial Express.com.

What are some precautionary steps that can be followed?

According to Dr. Tayal, some precautions that can be followed are:

• Frequent hand sanitisation and sanitisation of work surfaces
• Wear mask in all public spaces and follow social distancing
• Always use a tissue while sneezing and coughing and sanitize your hands immediately
• If someone has flu-like symptoms, they should isolate themselves for 3 -5 days or at least till the fever has settled for a minimum of 24 hours