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Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Pune hospitals see rise in ‘long flu' cases
Several hospitals in the city have reported a sharp rise in cases of 'long flu', a condition where influenza-like symptoms such as cough, fever, cold, body aches and fatigue continue for over four weeks. The trend has been observed in both children and adults, said doctors. Normally, the flu symptoms subside within three to five days with proper medication and rest. However, doctors said from the past one month, there has been an increase in the number of patients experiencing prolonged illness, where cough, fatigue, and body ache linger far beyond the usual recovery period. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO) Normally, the flu symptoms subside within three to five days with proper medication and rest. However, doctors said from the past one month, there has been an increase in the number of patients experiencing prolonged illness, where cough, fatigue, and body ache linger far beyond the usual recovery period. Dr Ameet Dravid, infectious diseases expert, Noble Hospital, said most of the patients who are taking more than three to four weeks to recover are not infected with regular flu but with the H1N1 (Swine flu) and H3N2 subtype of the influenza A virus. 'The cases of patients infected with H3N2 are increasing and they take more recovery periods compared to seasonal flu and H1NI. The symptoms, like weakness and cough, last for over four weeks. This season, we have seen several patients with prolonged flu-like symptoms. However, only a few patients have undergone testing,' he said. Dr Prashant Udavant, paediatrician at Ruby Hall clinic, said, there is a surge in pediatric patients infected with flu and in a month, over 10 children have tested positive for H3N2. 'Daily, around 25 to 30 children come with flu infections. Most of them complain of high fever, dehydration, vomiting, cold, cough and fatigue. The respiratory symptoms are reported later in the second week of infection. The patients come with a history of the entire family being infected with influenza, one after the other,' he said. A parent of a child infected with long-flu-like symptoms said, 'My son initially had high fever, cold, cough, and dehydration. After three days, the fever and cold vanished, but his cough has persisted for four weeks now. Additionally, he has lost his appetite.' Dr Preeti Ajapuje, Infectious Disease expert at VishwaRaj Hospital, said that with the influenza virus, the patients generally recover in a week, but some of the symptoms, like weakness, may remain for a few weeks. Most of the time, the treatment is the conservative treatment for fever and pain relief as required. 'We generally advise exercises and lifestyle modification. The people in whom we see post-viral illnesses are the ones who have comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, etc., and the age group of above 60,' she said.
The Star
2 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Sharing burdens
Lifesavers, timesavers: Healthcare personnel escorted by members of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department at the launch of Organ Donation Awareness Week. The event featured a 'gimmick' arrival via helicopter, symbolising the urgent nature of organ donation. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star PETALING JAYA: They went through nail-biting times. But these kidney donors are now thriving together with the recipients of their selfless acts. It has been 15 years since Siti Aesahah Mohd Nor donated her kidney to her nephew Abdullah Bukhari Abdul Rahim, who is now 50. 'It's precious to be able to donate such a gift to someone. By doing so, God will return our deeds tenfold,' she said. It has been a long journey, though. Blood tests in 2009 confirmed the 'compatibility', thus enabling the kidney transplant to take place. But other hurdles came their way. 'CLICK TO ENLARGE' That year, there was the H1N1 flu outbreak. And when an operation was finally scheduled in July 2010, the doctor suffered from exhaustion as a result of performing emergency transplant surgeries the night before. The operation eventually took place a month later on Aug 5, 2010, at Hospital Selayang. All this was done with Siti Aesahah having to travel back and forth from Kelantan where she was a teacher. 'Transplant operation is not like what you see on TV. There are many steps, starting from thorough health checks over several months including MRI and cross-check blood tests, which had to be done again and again due to the delays,' said the single mother of two children and two grandchildren. These days, Siti Aesahah and her nephew are grateful because both are in good health without any complications. 'There had been sceptics. But both of us have been surviving with one kidney and this is a testament to the (importance of) organ donation,' she said. She said Abdullah, a religious teacher who is married with four children, had often been an active person. 'So being able to donate a kidney has allowed him to continue his work,' said Siti Aesahah, 65. In the case of communications manager Melissa Ananthraj, the pain of seeing her husband Manvir Victor tied to a machine, going through dialysis each day, prompted her to act out of love. 'Although dialysis kept him alive, he wasn't living a life,' she said of Manvir, a healthcare portal director who is now 58. 'My husband was already on dialysis for 10 years before I knew him. When I met him, I saw what kidney failure and dialysis was doing to him,' said Melissa, 49. 'So, for me, there was no question (about donating to him).' The couple had married in July 2011. The transplant took place in June 2012. 'From the beginning, my family knew this wasn't a conventional path, but they saw how deep our bond was. 'Once they understood the situation, the realities of kidney disease and the strength of our bond, they supported me wholeheartedly,' she said. Melissa said her family did not even try to discourage her from doing so. 'They simply asked thoughtful questions and made sure I had all the information to make the decision safely. 'Their support gave me even more confidence in the life I was choosing,' she said. She also spoke to the transplant unit at Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) to find out more. 'There were many tests, tissue matching and scans because the doctors need to make sure it's safe for both the donor and recipient. 'Mentally, it wasn't always easy. Sometimes, I asked myself, what if something goes wrong? But I had the best doctors and they guided me every step of the way,' Melissa said. In fact, the HKL team provided a psychiatrist to speak about their mental health before the transplant. 'The surgery went well. The recovery was painful at first, but when I saw him doing better and life coming back to his face, everything was worth it,' she said. Post-transplant, Melissa said her life is completely normal as she could work and travel. But she goes for regular check-ups. The organ transplant has made the couple appreciate life more. 'Today, my husband and I are both active in organ donation awareness. We share our story because we know that many people are still unsure. 'We want to show them that donation is not only possible – it changes lives.'
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Doctors warn of rising dual infections during monsoon
1 2 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. " 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo 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." You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune | Gold Rates Today in Pune | Silver Rates Today in Pune 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. " Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Fresh viral spurt across city as rain, sun play hide and seek
Kolkata: The temperature rise after a prolonged wet period revived a cough and cold outbreak that struck in July. With the mercury crawling up to 34.2°C last Tuesday and dropping to 29.9°C on Thursday, the mercury was on a see-saw ride. This unleashed the seasonal viruses yet again, at a time when viral and bacterial infections kept most hospitals fully occupied. "Over the past few weeks, there's been a noticeable uptick in influenza activity across Kolkata, particularly since the beginning of the monsoon season in July, when respiratory viruses often flare up. More febrile illnesses are reporting at our OPD now," said Jayanta Datta, senior internal medicine consultant, Charnock Hospital. "This is indeed worrying since we have seen a sudden footfall rise in our OPD and this would invariably increase admissions. Since we are running at near full capacity, it would again be a challenge to find beds for critical patients," said a hospital head. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata | Gold Rates Today in Kolkata | Silver Rates Today in Kolkata The rise in temperature followed a prolonged rainy spell during which the maximum temperature dropped to 29°C last Friday. It has been crawling up since Monday, triggering yet another cough and cold epidemic in the city, with hundreds suffering from upper respiratory tract infections and an obstinate cough. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Best SIP Plans for NRIs in Germany – Get ₹2L Monthly Pension | Invest ₹18K PB Learn More Undo BP Poddar Hospital OPD has been receiving 15–20 patients daily, including school students and senior citizens. Respiratory illnesses are especially severe among the elderly, particularly those with COPD or a history of hospitalisation during Covid, in some cases requiring CCU or ward admission, said Abhijit Aich Bhaumik, consultant physician. "This has contributed to the existing bed crisis. The dominant viruses are Influenza A (H1N1, H3N2) and Influenza B, followed by rhinovirus, adenovirus, and streptococcus pneumoniae. Abrupt weather changes, combined with frequent transitions between air-conditioned spaces and outdoor heat, are increasing the severity and duration of illnesses," added Aich Bhaumik. The heat and humidity tend to elevate pollution levels, triggering allergic reactions in many individuals, said Fortis Hospital internal medicine consultant Joydeep Ghosh. "People often take multiple showers, consume cold drinks, or switch rapidly between outdoor heat and indoor air-conditioning. Such abrupt temperature changes challenge the body's ability to regulate its internal temperature, sometimes impairing immunity and leading to respiratory discomfort. The transition from hot, dusty streets to chilled indoor environments, especially when repeated frequently, can stress the body's defences," added Ghosh. Most patients had a mild fever followed by a persistent cough that refused to go. There was a spurt in Influenza A (H1N2), para-influenza, rhinovirus, and enterovirus, say doctors and microbiologists. Peerless Hospital detected 20-30 cases of Influenza A and B, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), typhoid, and scrub typhus in the last week. "This is the season for seasonal influenza or Influenza A and many have got tested with symptoms. We have also detected several dengue cases in viral panel tests in the last week. This could last several weeks, going by the temperature fluctuations and the consistent rain," said Peerless Hospital chief microbiologist Bhaskar Narayan Chaudhury. Seasonal viruses pushed OPD footfalls by 15-20% in the last ten days at Woodlands Hospital. "The elderly with existing comorbidities, and those with weakened immunity are being particularly affected. Patients typically present with moderate to high-grade fever, dry or minimally productive cough, headache, body ache, general malaise, and at times, loose watery stools," said Soutik Panda, critical care head, Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Krishna Janmashtami Wishes ,, messages , and quotes !
NBC News
4 days ago
- Health
- NBC News
Needle-phobic? FluMist nasal spray vaccine available for use at home
More children died from the flu this past season than any year outside of the swine flu pandemic in 2009. Most of them were unvaccinated. That's why some doctors are hoping that the first nasal flu vaccine available for use at home can improve vaccination rates among people, especially children, who are afraid of needles. AstraZeneca's FluMist Home, which was approved last fall, is now available with a prescription for children ages 2 and over, and adults up to age 49. A 2019 review from researchers at the University of Michigan found the majority of children and up to 30% of young adults are afraid of needles. Dr. Zachary Hoy, board-certified pediatric infectious disease specialist at Pediatrix Medical Group in Nashville, Tennessee, said many children are scared because they aren't old enough to understand what vaccines are and why they are important. 'Most of the time, the anxiety and worry before the shot is scarier than the actual shot,' Hoy said. How does FluMist Home work? The vaccine was first approved in 2003 to be given in a doctor's office. However, after the 2009 swine flu pandemic introduced the new H1N1 strain, several studies found the nasal spray was less effective than other flu vaccines. This prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to recommend against using the nasal spray in 2016. At the time, the CDC said the nasal spray accounted for one-third of all flu vaccines given to children. In response, FluMist's manufacturers reformulated it to more closely match circulating strains, including H1N1, and the nasal spray returned in 2018. Like injectable flu vaccines, FluMist is updated each season based on recommendations from global health officials. 'FluMist's efficacy is comparable to injectable flu vaccines and is a safe and effective needle-free option for flu protection,' AstraZeneca spokesperson Andrew Leone said. Experts say it's too early to tell how bad the upcoming flu season will be. Typically, flu vaccines are 40% and 60% effective in preventing severe illness, and FluMist Home should be equally protective. The doses for the 2026-2027 season contain three virus strains: an A/H1N1 strain, an A/H3N2 strain and a B strain from the B/Victoria lineage, according to the drugmaker. The FluMist Home vaccine contains a weakened form of a live virus to stimulate the immune system. Pregnant women or people with compromised immune systems are advised to talk with their doctor before using it. Does insurance cover it? FluMist Home is available only online. People ordering the nasal spray will need to complete a medical screening questionnaire at that is reviewed by a health care professional, according to the drugmaker. FluMist Home's online pharmacy will then collect the insurance information and bill the health plan directly. A temperature monitor on the packaging will verify that the vaccine has been maintained at the appropriate temperature during shipping and delivery. Green means it's safe to use. Red means it's not. Christina Aungst, senior pharmacy editor at GoodRx, estimates people with insurance will likely only have to pay an $8.99 shipping fee for the nasal spray. 'Currently, if you don't have insurance, FluMist is only available in a health care setting,' AstraZeneca's Leone said. 'We hope to provide a cash pay option for FluMist Home in future seasons.' When FluMist is given in a health care office or clinic, most insurance plans — including Medicare and Medicaid — will cover it. Dr. Scott Roberts, associate medical director of infection prevention at Yale School of Medicine, worries people may not administer the nasal spray vaccine properly without a doctor's supervision. 'What if they have a runny nose? How far back do they need to spray in the nose? What if they store it incorrectly in their house?' Roberts asked. Dr. Kristina Bryant, pediatric infectious diseases physician at Norton Children's in Louisville, Kentucky, and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases, said the bottom line is that all the available flu vaccines offer comparable protection. 'The most important thing to know is that vaccines only work if they are actually administered,' Bryant said. 'Hopefully, the availability of a vaccine that can be administered in the home will make it easier for some people to be protected against flu.'
