A serious spike in respiratory infections for the past several weeks, mostly Influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID, has had the OP clinics and casualty wings of hospitals getting filled with people rushing in for consultations.
While there has been no spike in unusual or sudden pneumonia or hospitalisations, influenza can take a bad turn in the elderly and those with serious comorbidities, doctors warn.
While this is the normal season of respiratory illnesses, the cooler weather with occasional rainy spells has seen the co-circulation of all viruses, especially Influenza A and RSV, which has been leaving people with persistent cough and fatigue lasting over weeks. The Sabarimala pilgrimage season and crowding are expected to make the situation worse.
