Chennai hospitals note steady surge in flu and dengue cases

Hospitals across Chennai are reporting a steady rise in fever patients as both dengue and influenza viruses spread through the city. Medical experts note that this increase follows the usual seasonal pattern seen from September to November every year. Government health specialists explain that flu spreads directly between people while dengue comes from mosquitoes. A flu infection usually brings respiratory signs like a sore throat, cough, and cold. In contrast, dengue causes a severe headache and body ache along with a high fever, but lacks respiratory trouble. Doctors advise that routine blood checks, such as a complete blood count, help spot early warning signs like falling platelet counts for dengue. Most flu cases heal on their own, but pregnant women and older adults need extra medical attention because flu can turn into severe breathing trouble. While some public health facilities report normal patient numbers and stable admission rates, others note that their fever wards are currently full. S. Chandrasekar from Government Stanley Medical College Hospital points out that dengue numbers usually peak after mid-November rains and last until February. He warns that teenagers are often arriving late with complications like capillary leak syndrome by day five or six of their illness. At Kanchi Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital, medical director Janani Sankar reports that their facility is dealing with high numbers of flu A, dengue, and respiratory syncytial virus infections, particularly among children. Dr. Sankar urges families to check their homes for standing water and asks schools to take active steps to stop mosquito breeding. Parents must watch for red flags such as vomiting, severe belly pain, bleeding, or extreme tiredness once the fever drops.