As temperatures dip, Bengaluru is witnessing a steady increase in cases of seasonal influenza and other respiratory infections.Doctors in both government and private hospitals are reporting a rise in footfall of patients with flu-like symptoms, attributing the trend to changing weather conditions.Seasonal influenza is a viral infection that spreads mainly through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces. While it is generally self-limiting and lasts five to seven days, health officials cautioned that infants, the elderly, pregnant women, immunocompromised persons, and those on long-term medication, including steroids, are at higher risk of complications and may require hospitalisation.Outpatient departments in government hospitals are seeing a surge in the footfall of patients.Doctors at the State-run Victoria Hospital said, “People with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, allergies, and heart disease are particularly vulnerable. More than 40% of those affected are aged over 65.”Patients typically present with mild fever for a day or two, followed by cough, chest congestion, nasal blockage, and headache. Doctors have advised people not to delay medical consultation, even though this coincides with the usual flu season.In view of a possible further rise in cases, the Health Department has instructed district officials to strengthen surveillance, ensure availability of medicines and equipment, and intensify public awareness efforts during the winter months.Over 50 cases a dayThe State-run Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases is treating over 50 patients daily for exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other chest infections. A senior doctor at the institute said most of these patients require admission, with those suffering from pre-existing respiratory conditions, comorbidities, and weakened immunity being the worst affected.Private hospitals are reporting a similar trend. Swati Rajagopal, consultant in Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine at Aster CMI Hospital, said viral infections and influenza cases have risen over the past few weeks due to fluctuations in weather, especially warm days followed by cooler nights.Patients commonly report fever, cold, cough, sore throat, and body pain, along with headache, fatigue, and general weakness. Children and senior citizens are more frequently affected, while crowded public places and poorly ventilated indoor spaces are contributing to the spread, she said.Influenza strainsPulmonologists said specific influenza strains are driving the surge.Sachin Kumar, Director of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine at Sakra World Hospital, said, “The H3N2 variant is currently predominant. The drop in morning temperatures, combined with increased travel and social gatherings during the year-end period, has created favourable conditions for the virus to spread.”At KIMS Hospitals, nearly 60% of current outpatient cases are related to viral influenza and other respiratory infections, said S.M. Fayaz, senior consultant in Internal Medicine. He added that frequent travel and prolonged exposure in enclosed spaces increase the risk of infection, particularly among vulnerable groups.The doctors have urged people to seek medical advice if fever persists or if breathing difficulty or chest discomfort develops. They have also cautioned against the misuse of antibiotics, which are ineffective against viral infections.Published - December 31, 2025 07:18 pm IST