Key Facts:
A highly contagious human respiratory infection caused by an influenza strain that started in pigs.
Influenza B virus is a negative-sense single-strand RNA virus known only to infect certain mammal species, including humans, ferrets, pigs, and seals.
Prime Highlights:
Delhi hospitals report a rise in cases of Influenza B and H1N1, affecting all age groups, with common symptoms including high-grade fever, cough, and fatigue.
The rise in viral infections has led to a higher number of hospitalizations for complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis.
Key Background:
Delhi has witnessed a significant rise in flu cases over the past few weeks, with hospitals across the city reporting an uptick in patients affected by Influenza B and H1N1 (swine flu) viruses. These viral infections are causing upper respiratory tract issues, high-grade fever, and prolonged symptoms such as cough and fatigue, affecting people of all age groups.
According to Dr. Rommel Tickoo, Director of Internal Medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital, the city has seen an increase in influenza-like illnesses, with cases of Influenza A, B, H1N1, H3N2, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). These strains are contributing to a surge in cases, particularly among children, adolescents, and the elderly. Dr. Tickoo highlighted that the virus appears to be spreading rapidly, with many children bringing the infection home.
The ongoing surge in viral cases has also led to a higher number of hospitalizations for complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis. Dr. Tickoo noted that some patients are experiencing severe bronchitis symptoms and require nebulizers, inhalers, and even oral steroids for treatment. This pattern, resembling post-Covid complications, has led experts to suggest the need for further investigation into potential viral mutations.
Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, mentioned that patients have been experiencing prolonged symptoms, with many seeking hospital care for better management. The caseload has increased over the last two weeks, with younger individuals, aged 35 to 40, presenting with severe body aches, persistent cough, and other symptoms requiring medical attention. Additionally, at Holy Family Hospital in Okhla, patients with underlying conditions such as asthma, COPD, and heart disease have been admitted to ventilators, primarily due to Influenza B. Dr. Sumit Ray, Medical Superintendent, confirmed that most of these cases are linked to co-morbidities.
