Early diagnosis remains the best defence against severe outcomes, say doctors
The experts said early evaluation, hydration and close monitoring were particularly important for young children, senior citizens and people with underlying health conditions. They should not ignore symptoms like fever, cough and body aches and must seek early medical evaluation,” Dr Aparna Kodre, senior consultant in the medicine department at Noble Hospitals and Research Centre, said. Dr Jayant Khandare, paediatrics and neonatology specialist at Surya Mother and Child Super Speciality Hospital, said, “We are seeing an increase in influenza and influenza-like illness cases this monsoon, with some patients requiring hospitalisation after developing complications like pneumonia and breathing difficulties…
“We are seeing an increase in hospitalisations for influenza cases, especially H1N1 with Influenza A . Elderly patients with comorbidities remain more susceptible to severe complications requiring oxygen support. What is particularly concerning is that even otherwise healthy adults and younger patients are experiencing significant symptoms.”
Pune: Self-medication, delayed testing and work commitments that push people to keep working despite being ill are the key factors fuelling Pune’s influenza surge and severity this monsoon, doctors said on Monday.