Doctors warn of rising dual infections during monsoon

Time of India

16 hours ago

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Pune: City doctors have warned patients contracting multiple infections simultaneously like typhoid, influenza and dengue this monsoon, leading to severe symptoms and increased complication risk, making management more challenging.
Infectious disease experts said such "dual infections" were not uncommon at this time of year. Dr Mahesh Kumar Manohar Lakhe, infectious diseases expert with Sahyadri Hospitals, said, "I've seen cases of typhoid and dengue co-infection, confirmed through NS1 antigen and blood culture tests. In one instance, a traveller even had dengue and malaria together. These dual infections can be challenging, as both diseases can impact the liver, exacerbating the condition.
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Dr Devashish Desai, consultant for infectious diseases at Ruby Hall Clinic, said dengue admissions were significantly lower this year compared to 2024, but the admitted patients were often in critical condition with severe dehydration and capillary leak. "Over the past three weeks, Pune has seen a surge in influenza cases, particularly the H3N2 strain of Influenza A. Many patients are presenting with symptoms like fever, sore throat, runny nose and cough.
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What's notable is that some patients are developing sequential or co-infections. Some are catching influenza right after recovering from dengue, or vice versa. I've seen dengue patients develop influenza-like symptoms just as they're about to be discharged, while others with persistent fever after influenza are later diagnosed with dengue. These co-infections are still relatively rare, about one case a week."
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The doctors said preventing dual infections essentially meant lowering the risk of each individual's illness. "This includes avoiding mosquito bites by using repellents, wearing full-sleeved clothing and eliminating stagnant water around homes. People should drink only boiled or filtered water to prevent typhoid, wash hands before eating and avoid street food during the monsoon," a specialist said.
Dr Ameet Dravid, infectious diseases expert at Noble and Poona Hospitals, told TOI, "We have had an H1N1 and Covid-19 co-infection case this season. The patient, who presented with upper respiratory tract symptoms, was vaccinated against both influenza and Covid-19 and therefore experienced only a mild illness. In unvaccinated individuals, however, one of the viruses can dominate, potentially leading to viral pneumonia and a poorer prognosis.
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