Karnataka: Persistent flu outbreak plagues Bengaluru

Health

By Chetana Belagere

Feb 15, 2024

Bengaluru remains in the clutches of an unyielding flu outbreak that has persisted since August, casting a palpable shadow over the city.

Health

Health facilities in the city are grappling with a significant uptick in patients presenting symptoms such as fever, persistent coughs, and other flu-related maladies.

Health

“The winter season has witnessed a conspicuous surge in respiratory cases,” shares  Dr TR Hemkumar, an Internal Medicine consultant at Kauvery Hospital, Marathahalli.

Health

Bengalureans are majorly reporting symptoms of upper respiratory infections like runny nose, sore throat, and lingering cough, with some cases even escalating to pneumonia.

Health

Dr Ingaleshwar highlights that nearly 60 percent of patients visiting the OPD exhibit flu symptoms, affecting individuals from six months to adolescents.

Health

Despite the shared experiences of illness among residents, doctors reassure that the severity of cases has generally been manageable.

Health

In response to the outbreak, doctors advocate universal respiratory infection precautions. These include minimising one’s attendance of functions and school for sick children.

Health

Dr Hemkumar attributes the spike in cases to increased travel during holidays, fluctuating temperatures, rising pollution levels, and the early onset of spring.

Health