Many hospitals in the city are seeing a steady inflow of patients with flu-like symptoms as the seasonal flu is making the rounds in Chennai.
Over the last few weeks, doctors – both in the government and private sector – have been treating patients exhibiting symptoms of the flu.
A government doctor said there was a mild surge in cases, with fever – sometimes severe – lasting for two to three days.
Janani Sankar, medical director, Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital, said they had been seeing quite a lot of children with flu-like symptoms over the past two to three weeks. At least 60 to 70 children with symptoms were treated at the outpatient department every day.
Symptoms in children
“We have been seeing children with fever for four days, myalgia, cough, reduced activity, and reduced oral intake. At least 90% of them are treated as outpatients; only a few require admission. The younger ones requiring oxygen, nebulisation or those with respiratory distress are admitted. We do a flu panel test for those hospitalised, and if they test positive for influenza, appropriate treatment is provided. A very small percentage of children have required intensive care support,” she said. She added that seasonal changes, including frequent rain, are among the contributory factors.
Suresh Kumar, senior consultant, Infectious Diseases, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, said that cases of flu had been rampant for almost a month. Among those reporting with fever, every second or third patient had the flu. Testing was not done in the outpatient setting.
Three viruses
A panel of three viruses (influenza, COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus) was tested in patients hospitalised with suspected flu.
“The majority of the infections are caused by influenza A. Of these, we are mostly seeing H1N1 and H3N2 infections. While the common symptoms are fever, cold, cough, and sore throat, we are seeing a lot of patients with atypical presentations such as back pain, joint pain as well as loose stools. Some have dry cough. Similar to COVID-19, some persons, aged above 60 and with co-morbidities, have presented with a history of falls or confusion due to lack of energy. So, any unexplained symptom needs to be checked,” Dr. Kumar said.
Some of those with co-morbidities required intensive care unit admission for oxygen support, Dr. Kumar added.
S. Chandrasekar, professor and head, Department of Medicine, Government Stanley Medical College Hospital, said the flu season had begun, and patients with fever, body ache, runny nose, cough, and tiredness were increasing.
A few patients required admission, particularly those who developed lung involvement. “We have a separate fever outpatient unit and ward. We ask the patients to take rest and medication as advised, and follow handwashing, cough etiquette, and masking for all, including attenders,” he said.
Vaccination awareness
Dr. Kumar noted that awareness about the flu vaccination was still lacking.
Emphasising its importance, Dr. Chandrasekar said that vaccination could prevent severity, particularly in the elderly, those with diabetes, asthma, and heart failure patients.
Published – September 25, 2025 01:11 am IST
