Flu on the rise in children in Chennai, cases of dengue and HFMD are also reported

Increase in flu, dengue, and HFMD cases among children in Chennai; paediatricians emphasize timely medical help and proper treatment.

Paediatricians are seeing an increase in the number of children with flu symptoms in Chennai over the past two to three weeks. There are also cases of dengue and hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) among children in the city.

At least 60 t0 70 children with flu symptoms are seen at Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital (KKCTH) every day. Dengue has also on the rise in the last two weeks but all are stable. There is also an outbreak of HFMD, a viral infection that spreads fast but is self limiting and is treated symptomatically, said Janani Sankar, medical director, KKCTH.

“Seasonal changes have led to a rise in flu-like illness in children. Last February, there were infections caused by adenovirus but the situation was manageable early this year. Now, we are mainly seeing infections caused by influenza A and B viruses and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV),” she said.

J. K. Reddy, senior consultant, Paediatrics, Apollo Children’s Hospital, pointed out, “Almost 50% of our outpatients a day have symptoms of flu. The cases have been on the rise in the last two to three weeks. High fever, headache, body pain, cold and cough are the main symptoms. Added to this, we have observed that another member of the family is also ill. What we are seeing in Chennai is viral flu. We are testing more now on the respiratory viral panel that tests for all influenza viruses, COVID-19 and RSV, and we have found that influenza and RSV are the most common now.”

Fever is quite high for three to four days, while the cough lasts for a week, which is distressing for parents, Dr. Janani Sankar said, adding: “We are seeing children with total refusal for feed, lack of appetite, severe cough and reduced activity due to extreme fatigue. Many of them are bedridden and this worries parents. Treatment is symptomatic but we do admit a few of them due to poor oral intake. If the child is aged less than a year, we recommend X-ray to rule out viral pneumonia, which is a small percentage reported now.” She stressed the need to report to a hospital if a child is refusing to feed, is drowsy and has fast breathing.

“Dengue accounts for 10 to 20% of our daily cases. If a child is dull in the post-fever phase, seeking medical help is crucial. This happens typically in dengue and must not be missed. Dengue could lead to complications,” Dr. Reddy added.

Hydration is very important, he said, adding, “Rest, adequate fluids and seeking timely medical help is vital. Parents tend to ask for antibiotics for high grade fever in children, and they must understand that antibiotics do not work for viral fevers. Do not get antibiotics over the counter and do not overdose paracetamol. Paracetamol is prescribed based on the weight of a child, and not the age. It comes in drops and syrup; the former having higher concentration and should be carefully administered as per a doctor’s prescription.”