Hospitals have been experiencing a significant spike in viral and respiratory illnesses, leading to a surge in infection-related admissions. At Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in New Delhi, Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee, a specialist in internal medicine, is seeing a steady stream of patients battling high fevers, body aches, and various other distressing symptoms. Among them is a 14-year-old from Kalkaji, presenting with a fever of 104 degrees, severe joint pain, and a sore throat. While assessing the patient for signs of dengue, Dr. Chatterjee rules it out and prescribes paracetamol and antihistamines, with instructions for Covid-19 and swine flu testing if the fever persists beyond three days.
The flu season, however, is more challenging than usual this year. Dr. Chatterjee explains that the extended monsoon and lingering humidity have created perfect conditions for various viruses and bacteria to thrive. This has led to a “cocktail” of pathogens, including swine flu, influenza, Covid-19, dengue, chikungunya, cholera, and typhoid, all circulating in the air. As a result, the number of cases of viral and respiratory infections has surged, with hospitals across the city seeing a rise in patient admissions. Swine flu, in particular, has seen a significant uptick in recent weeks.
