A deadly viral strain is lurking in the air this year with the monsoon ushering in a widespread viral wave with city doctors treating a staggering number of patients. And this year, the strain is an aggressive one as some have been hospitalised too.
“Viral cases have shot up with over 60 cases being reported on a daily basis since the past two weeks. Last week, there has been a fresh bout of viral fever cases. In fact, people suffering from other disorders are finding it difficult to get an appointment now because the majority of our patients are those suffering from viral fevers,” Dr Satish Koul, internal medicine specialist, Columbia Asia Hospital, said.
High fever, headache, body pain, nausea, sore throat are the most common symptoms that are affecting Delhiites but doctors said one needs to be on a alert for a range of symptoms.
“About 50 per cent of my patients are those suffering from viral fever. Many are adults confined in congested environments,” Dr S. P. Byotra, head of internal medicine at Sir Gangaram Hospital, said.
The common adage of “ four days for viral and then back to work” has gone down the drain.
“With about 70 per cent of the patients suffering from viral fever, the strain appears more morbid than last year. The viral spectrum from monsoon this year has Virus strain is more aggressive this year become a big cause of worry with patients showing severe symptoms and a longer recovery period. The infection profile has changed with patients taking upto seven or 10 days and even more to recover,” Dr D. S. Chadha, internal medicine specialist, Fortis Hospital, said.
The virus strain has confused doctors too as some say it has mutated and become resistant to anti- virals.
“Most patients show negative test results for all the identified viruses. Even the atypical profile is not showing positive The virus strain appears to have mutated and become resistant to anti- virals positive results. It has become difficult to ascertain what kind of strain is responsible,” Dr Byotra said.
In extreme cases, patients are being admitted to hospitals. About 15 per cent of our patients were hospitalised because their condition worsened,” Dr Chadha added.
The affected age group is varied too. “ It’s a misconception that only the really young and the old are getting affected by it as people of all age groups got to be cautious,” Dr M. P. Sharma, internal medicine specialist, Rockland Hospital, said.
According to doctors, viral fevers are leading to serious complications as a majority of patients are reporting low or dropping blood platelet counts.
Doctors have advised youngsters to be very cautious as their resistance levels are low. “ Don’t just pop that antibiotic pill.
Don’t take a chance with viral fever. Please go to the doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms as viral fevers, if uncontrolled, can lead to serious consequences,” Dr Koul said.
Lurking in the air
Viral fever is a special type of fever that develops and gets treated without the primary virus being identified. Transmission occurs in crowded places such as schools, workplaces and while travelling Infections may have generalised symptoms but can target specific organs Stress, overwork, poor nutrition, smoking, crowded living or working conditions increase chances of infection. Most common symptoms include severe headaches and high fever Normally it lasts between 3- 7 days. Some are highly contagious. Most are not dangerous and self- limited but some can progress rapidly leading to even death.
How the virus spread?
Deadly viral Once the virus enters the body, it has an incubation period of 2- 8 days during which it multiplies to a level high enough to cause infection. The person then experiences fatigue, weariness, body and muscle aches that lead to the onset of high fever. Also occurs by direct contact with infectious secretions. Caused by inhalation of airborne respiratory droplets from people infected with virus Virus spreads quicker when people sneeze. More common during monsoon due to humidity.
