Monsoon Health Alert: When to Consult a Doctor for Viral Fevers

The monsoon season in Pune brought much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat, but it also brought with it a surge in viral infections. The high humidity and stagnant water during this time create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes and other vectors, leading to an increased incidence of viral fevers such as influenza, dengue, chikungunya, and adenovirus infections. While many cases are mild and manageable at home, others require prompt medical attention, and in severe instances, hospitalisation or even intensive care.

Common Viral Infections During Monsoons :

1. Influenza (Flu): The flu is a common viral infection that peaks during monsoons, spreading through respiratory droplets. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure.
2. Dengue: A mosquito-borne viral infection spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, Dengue causes high fever, severe headache, eye pain, joint and muscle aches, rash, and mild bleeding. Severe cases can lead to life-threatening Dengue Haaemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS).
3. Chikungunya: Spread by Aedes mosquitoes, chikungunya causes sudden high fever, severe joint and muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash. While rarely fatal, the joint pain can be debilitating and may last for months.
4. Adenoviruses: These viruses cause respiratory infections, conjunctivitis, and gastroenteritis. Monsoon increases respiratory infections, with symptoms like fever, sore throat, cough, red eyes, and sometimes diarrhoea.

“The key to managing viral infections during the monsoon is early detection and prompt treatment. Ignoring symptoms or delaying medical care can lead to severe complications, including multi-organ failure in cases like dengue,” says Dr. Abbas Chopdawala, Consultant,Generał Physician, Ruby Hall Clinic Wanowrie.

Understanding when to seek medical care is crucial in preventing complications from viral infections during the monsoon.

High Fever: A persistent fever that doesn’t subside with common medication like paracetamol requires medical evaluation.

Severe Headache and Pain Behind the Eyes: These symptoms, especially when accompanied by a rash, are indicative of Dengue and warrant immediate medical attention.

Difficulty Breathing or Chest Pain: These warning signs could indicate complications such as pneumonia or severe infection and necessitate a hospital visit.

Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhoea: These symptoms can lead to dehydration, particularly in young children and the elderly, and should be addressed promptly by a healthcare professional.

Unusual Bleeding: Any signs of bleeding, such as gum bleeding, nosebleeds, or blood in vomit or stools, may indicate severe infection and require urgent medical care.

Certain viral infections may require hospitalisation, especially if the patient is at risk of developing severe complications such as diabetes, kidney diseases, chronic respiratory diseases etc. Patients with dengue or chikungunya who experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, fatigue, restlessness, or liver enlargement should be hospitalised for close monitoring and supportive care. Similarly, individuals with influenza who develop breathlessness, confusion, or signs of dehydration may need hospital care.

Preventing viral infections during the monsoon is crucial, and vaccination plays a significant role. The Influenza vaccine is recommended annually to protect against the most common strains of the flu virus. Similarly, the dengue vaccine can reduce the risk of severe Dengue in endemic areas. For individuals at higher risk, such as the elderly or those with chronic conditions, the Pneumococcal vaccine can help prevent pneumonia, a common complication of viral infections. In addition to vaccines, general preventive measures are essential: using mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, ensuring proper sanitation, avoiding stagnant water, and maintaining good hand hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of infection during the monsoon season.

“In some cases, viral infections can escalate to severe complications that necessitate admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). For example, Dengue can cause DHF (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever) or DSS (Dengue Shock Syndrome), leading to shock, multi-organ failure, and even death if not managed promptly. The mortality rate for severe Dengue can be as high as 20% without proper treatment but can be reduced to less than 1% with timely medical intervention. Influenza, particularly in vulnerable populations, can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or sepsis, both of which require intensive care,” Dr. Chopdawala concludes.

For more information or to schedule a screening, please contact experts at Ruby Hall Clinic Wanowrie 020-66494949.