Topsy-turvy temp leads to flu cocktail

Kolkata: Close on the heels of Nipah and multiple other viruses, an unidentified virus with severe symptoms, similar to an intense form of influenza, struck scores in Kolkata. It struck with high fever, cough and muscle pain, leading to temporary loss of mobility. The muscle pain was excruciating for many, restricting some patients to bed for a week.While respiratory illnesses started waning, the ‘unknown' or viral fever has now taken over, said Charnock Hospital pulmonology head Soumya Sengupta. "These patients have mild cough and congestion, but high fever and muscle pain persisting for 4–5 days. Most are being treated for symptoms, and few have needed admission or oxygen support so far," said Sengupta. He added that the fever was triggered by temperature fluctuations and was likely to continue till the mercury ‘settled'.
BP Poddar Hospital received 26 patients with fever of ‘unidentifiable origin'. "We are seeing patients with moderate-grade fever where no clear source is identifiable. Many do not have prominent symptoms, while some present mild upper respiratory issues like sore throat or runny nose, suggestive of a primary viral illness. Others report only weakness, body ache and malaise. To rule out any underlying infection, we are advising Complete Blood Count, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate and C-Reactive Protein," said Rajdip Sen, consultant physician, BP Poddar Hospital.Most fevers remain undetected since ‘biofire panel' tests are rarely done. However, the symptoms keep varying every year, due to mutations of the viral strain, said Manipal Hospital infectious diseases physician Sayan Chakrabarty. He added, "Most patients have fever and body ache as the principal symptoms, though cough and congestion continue to affect many. The positive sign is that while so far we were receiving patients with severe bacterial pneumonia or infections that could lead to it, the number dropped. Now, we have more with fever of unknown origin that can be treated with medicines." An unknown fever is affecting many, presenting with high temperature, cough, body aches, and in severe cases, respiratory distress, said Sarbajit Ray, consultant physician, ILS Hospitals, Salt Lake. "It is mostly viral in origin and has led to increased illness among the elderly and individuals with pre-existing lung or heart conditions. Vaccination against influenza and pneumonia is strongly advised for elderly and chronically ill people."MS Purkait, medical superintendent of Techno DAMA Hospital, said, "Change of season viruses like RSV, influenza viruses, rhinovirus and human metapneumovirus are common now, and symptoms are similar to that of dengue and chikungunya. There could be high temperature with body ache, runny nose, sneezing and red eye.""Three patients have been admitted for observation and supportive care, while two are under home care but remain under medical monitoring. We urge people to avoid self-medication and seek timely medical attention if fever persists," said Supriyo Chakrabarty, BP Poddar group advisor.