Doctors Attribute Rise in Chest Infections and Flu Cases in Delhi to Winter and Pollution
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The winter season, coupled with elevated pollution levels, has led to a surge in flu cases in Delhi-NCR. Doctors note that while this spike is an annual occurrence during the temperature drop, the current increase in chest infections is more pronounced than usual. Although the hospitalization rate is not excessively high, there's a notable uptick in people seeking online consultations and visiting OPDs.
Doctors observe that a significant portion of these patients is grappling with the Influenza A H1N1 virus, some with the H3N2 virus, and others dealing with chest infections compounded by H1N1, as well as other viral and bacterial infections. Dr. Vikas Maurya, Head of the Pulmonology Department at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, states that hospitalizations due to chest infections are not alarming and are mostly observed in elderly patients with underlying comorbid conditions, further exacerbated by H1N1, Covid, and additional bacterial infections.
Patients commonly report symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, cough, breathlessness, throat pain, and diarrhea. Some individuals also mention low oxygen levels and shortness of breath, leading to hospitalization.
Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, attributes the issue to a combination of pollution and winter. He notes that even individuals who had a past bout of Covid are affected, especially those with compromised lung function.
Dr. Lalit Dar, Professor and Head of the Department of Microbiology at AIIMS Delhi, sheds light on the current scenario, identifying Influenza A H1N1 as the predominant strain. He clarifies that this strain is not classified as a pandemic strain but is a seasonal influenza variant. Dr. Dar notes a substantial number of Influenza H1N1 cases and sporadic instances of Influenza B, which likely account for the prevailing situation.
Dr. Chatterjee observes a notable increase in hospitalizations for chest infections, stating, "This was expected during winters, but the numbers are higher than usual. Hospitalization is necessary if oxygen levels are low."
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