Seasonal flu is an acute and contagious respiratory infection marked by fever, cough, sore throat, body ache and fatigue. Most people with seasonal flu are advised to rest at home, drink plenty of fluids and generally recover on their own within a week.
Published Dec 17, 2025 | 11:24 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 17, 2025 | 11:24 PM
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Synopsis: The Telangana government has issued a health advisory warning of a possible rise in seasonal flu cases as dry weather and lower minimum temperatures are expected across the State over the next few days. Health officials said cold and dry conditions can increase the spread of acute respiratory infections, urging vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, young children, older adults and those with chronic illnesses to seek medical advice if flu-like symptoms appear.
The Telangana government on Wednesday, 17 December, issued a general health advisory warning of a possible rise in seasonal flu cases, as dry weather conditions and a dip in minimum temperatures are forecast across the State over the next few days.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Hyderabad, has forecast that dry weather is likely to prevail across Telangana for the next five days, with minimum temperatures expected to be 2°C to 3°C below normal at isolated pockets during the next couple of days.
Director of Public Health and Family Welfare Dr B Ravinder Nayak cautioned that low environmental temperatures can lead to the spread of acute respiratory infections, including seasonal flu.
Seasonal flu is an acute and contagious respiratory infection marked by fever, cough, sore throat, body ache and fatigue.
It spreads easily from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Most people with seasonal flu are advised to rest at home, drink plenty of fluids and generally recover on their own within a week.
The government said it has made elaborate arrangements as a precautionary measure, including providing special beds and essential medicines at all public health facilities across the State.
The advisory said vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children under five years, older adults above 65 years, and individuals with chronic medical conditions, face a higher risk of severe illness.
If people from these groups develop symptoms resembling seasonal flu, they are advised to consult a doctor at the nearest health facility.
The government also listed warning signs that require immediate medical attention. These include high fever, difficulty in breathing, blue colour of the skin or lips, blood in sputum, or altered behaviour.
Persons experiencing any of these symptoms have been advised to consult a doctor without delay at the nearest government health facility.
As part of preventive measures, the advisory outlined a set of do’s and don’ts to reduce the risk of infection.
People have been advised to cover their mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue paper while coughing or sneezing, wash hands frequently with soap and water, stay away from public places if they have fever, cough or sneezing, drink plenty of water, eat nutritious food, ensure adequate ventilation with outdoor air in all settings, and get sufficient sleep.
At the same time, the public has been asked to avoid shaking hands, reusing tissue paper or handkerchiefs, visiting crowded places, frequently touching the eyes, nose and mouth, spitting in public places, and taking medicines without consulting a physician.
