Flu cases surge across Kolkata as entire families get infected
2
Kolkata: The influenza virus currently circulating could have high transmissibility. Doctors in the city are seeing an increasing number of cases where entire families are getting infected, reminiscent of the Covid times when the virus would spread from one person to another, infecting the entire family.
While the infection is mild in most cases during this flu surge, health experts said the elderly and those with comorbidities need to stay safe.
While a seasonal spike in influenza cases is common, experts said the numbers this monsoon are unusually high. The majority of patients visiting doctors at present are showing symptoms of this viral infection.
"At the hospital, I'm seeing a significant surge in patients — nearly double or even triple the usual number.
The majority are presenting with flu-like symptoms such as diarrhoea, prolonged fever, cough, and cold. Cases of adenovirus and RSV are also on the rise. This spike is largely seasonal, as certain weather conditions favour rapid viral transmission," said paediatrician Sumita Saha of Fortis Hospital Anandapur.
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"It's not just individual cases — but entire families are affected in most cases. Adults and children are getting infected at school and work and unknowingly transmitting the virus to family members at home as well," added Saha.
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Paediatric intensivist Prabhas Prasun Giri said that in the past week he suspected around 60 patients and asked them to get their samples tested, and all of them tested positive for flu. "The numbers are unusually high this time, and entire families getting the infection is becoming quite common. Luckily, so far in the paediatric population, the infection is mostly restricted to the upper respiratory tract. So far, we haven't had children with respiratory distress needing intensive care," said Giri, associate professor at the Institute of Child Health Kolkata.
In addition to the usual symptoms like fever, cold, and cough, many are also complaining of anorexia, diarrhoea, etc. Hospitals across the city said that around 50% of patients, cutting across both paediatric and adult populations rushing for doctor consultations, are presenting with symptoms of viral infection.
"I have come across some cases where the entire family is getting infected. While most cases are mild, the infection can cause severe complications in patients with comorbidities. I have an elderly patient who needs intensive care treatment due to complications from influenza," said internal medicine specialist Rahul Jain of Belle Vue Clinic.
Doctors said that resorting to precautionary measures like hand hygiene, masking while entering crowded public spaces, and annual flu vaccination can go a long way in staying safe.
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