Mumbai citizens are twirling under the influenza A (H3N2) virus, or flu, with symptoms that slightly differ from those seen earlier. Many healthy people are developing asthma symptoms, necessitating blood tests and X-rays because the infection affects not only the throat but the entire bronchial hierarchy.
Health experts said that respiratory viruses, including the influenza virus, cause airway inflammation, but presentation and long-term effects could vary. Some factors influence the condition, such as a person’s genetic predisposition, allergic tendencies, pre-existing asthma, and other lung diseases.
Dr Anshuman Manaswi told Afternoon Voice that “these days there is a sudden increase in such cases, especially respiratory-related issues. The reason can be the changing atmosphere or even pollution. with a majority of them anxious that COVID has returned.”
“Over the past two weeks, four to five influenza patients have been detected every day. The symptoms are throat pain, fever, cough, and cold. People should be more alert, and they should seek treatment as soon as the symptoms appear,” said Dr Suresh Sanghvi.
The local hospital in Borivali informed Afternoon Voice that the number of patients with coughs and colds is on the rise these days. “We see more than five patients a day, most of whom suffer from asthma.” “Other senior doctors stated that they have seen many patients who have a persistent cough even after the flu has subsided.”
In the post-viral phase, many experience prolonged fatigue, weakness, tiredness, mental fogging, and an inability to work and concentrate, they said.
Mumbai’s weather has been unpredictable, and poor air quality is worsening the situation as many go out for walks early in the morning.