New Delhi: Cases of flu-like illnesses and viral infections have been on the rise in the city in recent weeks, with recovery periods extending to 10 days instead of the typical five-seven days. The seasonal transition between winter and summer has also seen an uptick in allergic reactions amongst people, particularly asthma episodes and allergic rhinitis.
Some patients, said doctors, have required hospital care due to complications like pneumonia, breathing difficulties and wheezing. Dr Rommel Tickoo, director, internal medicine, Max Superspeciality Hospital, Saket, advised that people with flu-like symptoms, including high-grade fever, bodyache, sore throat, cough and cold, should be given antiviral medicine such as oseltamivir. This is especially crucial for those with pre-existing conditions like hypertension, diabetes, asthma, COPD and cardiac issues.
Oseltamivir, which is effective against both influenza A and B, should be administered within 48 hours of symptoms appearing, without waiting for test results, he said, adding that the approach helps reduce viral load and prevents the illness from worsening.
"If the condition advances to bronchitis or lower respiratory tract infection, patients should consult their doctor and increase inhaler dosage. It is important to avoid antibiotics during the initial five days, as most infections are viral in nature," he said.

Dr Avi Kumar, senior consultant in pulmonology at Fortis Escorts, Okhla, said patients are experiencing extended symptom durations, particularly fever, alongside persistent bodyaches and prolonged post-viral coughs. "The fever is taking more than five days to settle down in this viral infection," he said.
The seasonal shift from winter to summer typically increases allergy instances, further complicated by current viral infections. Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant, internal medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, observed a higher frequency of allergic reactions compared to the previous years.
Seasonal fluctuations significantly affect respiratory virus transmission and severity. Studies show pollen levels influence flu-like epidemic patterns while solar radiation acts as an inhibitor. Research indicates seasonal dietary changes can reduce antioxidant levels and increase oxidative stress, potentially affecting viral mutation rates and infection susceptibility. These environmental and behavioural factors create a complex scenario for respiratory virus transmission.
Emphasising on flu vaccination as being crucial for prevention, Dr Neetu Jain, senior consultant, pulmonology, PSRI Hospital, said each Sept, updated vaccine versions are introduced. Additional prevention involves proper hygiene practices, including appropriate cough etiquette using tissues or elbows. Maintaining distance from people with cough and cold symptoms is recommended. People who are ill should avoid work attendance and parents should keep sick children at home, she said. Regular hand washing helps prevent various illnesses, including flu symptoms. The doctor strongly advised against self-medication, particularly warning about self-prescribed antibiotics, which are ineffective against viral infections.