Dengue and flu circulate together in Chennai: steady fever cases, doctors urge early care
Two viral infections — dengue and influenza — are circulating in Chennai at the same time, and hospitals across the city are reporting a steady flow of patients with fever. Doctors, however, say the numbers are broadly in keeping with the usual seasonal pattern.
"Currently, both flu and dengue viruses are in circulation. Flu spreads from person to person, while dengue is a vector-borne infection. We need to deal with both the infections carefully," a senior government doctor said.
He explained how the two can be told apart. A person with fever should watch for respiratory symptoms such as cold, cough and throat pain. These are the primary signs of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI). A high-grade fever with no respiratory symptoms, but with body pain and headache, is a sign of dengue.
On dengue surveillance, the doctor said that epidemiologically, if one case is notified in a particular area or village, it means there are hidden cases. There is no need to test everyone, he added; people with typical symptoms can be treated appropriately after a physician consultation, and laboratory tests can be initiated if doctors prescribe them.
In the case of flu, the illness is mostly self-limiting, but utmost care should be taken with the elderly and pregnant women. ILI can lead to Severe Acute Respiratory Infection, and patients could land in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, so early treatment matters. For dengue, a basic Complete Blood Count gives clues, especially a drop in the platelet count.
"So, with two viruses in circulation, which happens naturally during this season, people should be prepared and alert," he said.
There are no official institution-wise figures on fever outpatients or admissions. Authorities of at least two government hospitals in Chennai said the number of fever cases was not rampant and admissions for fever had not increased. In another hospital, senior doctors said all beds in the fever ward were full, and that the patients were recovering.
S. Chandrasekar, Professor and Head, Department of Medicine and Critical Care Services, Government Stanley Medical College Hospital, said the situation at present was not alarming and the rise in fever cases was in line with the expected seasonal trend typically observed from September to November.
"A mild variant of flu is also in circulation. Dengue cases slowly peak after rainfall in mid-November and usually settle by February-end every year. There is a small excess of cases this year. Many persons, especially adolescents and teenagers, are being referred late, and with complications such as capillary leak syndrome on the fifth or sixth day of illness. We are closely watching the situation. It is important to know the warning symptoms of dengue," he said.
At Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital, medical director Janani Sankar said they were seeing a lot of dengue and influenza A cases, as well as a few Respiratory Syncytial Virus infections. "The cases are quite rampant. Our beds are full. We are seeing children with dengue, respiratory infections, wheezing and bronchiolitis. Some children with dengue are requiring admissions for 24 to 48 hours, but none with complications," she said.
Dr. Sankar said parents should ensure there are no water collections in and around their homes. As the dengue virus is transmitted by a day-biting mosquito, schools must also take mosquito control measures. "If a child is dull after a fever subsides, they should seek medical help. The warning signs of dengue are abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding, drowsiness and refusal to take feeds," she said.
Doctors stress that the message for the public is one of alertness rather than alarm: seek a physician's advice early, watch for the warning signs of dengue, and follow medical guidance on testing rather than self-medicating.
