Chennai Hospitals Report Sharp Rise in Viral Fever Cases
Hospitals across Chennai are witnessing a notable surge in patients presenting with high fever, body aches, and swollen joints, according to doctors speaking on Saturday. Outpatient departments in most medical facilities remain crowded as individuals seek treatment for these distressing symptoms.
Debilitating Joint Pain Affects Daily Activities
Patients are reporting severe joint pain that significantly impacts their mobility and daily routines. This pain commonly targets wrists, ankles, fingers, knees, and toes, often persisting for several weeks or even months. Many individuals find simple tasks like holding a coffee mug or walking to the bathroom extremely painful.
Dr. Subramanian Swaminathan, an infectious diseases expert at Gleneagles Hospital, explained the situation. "Patients arrive with swollen hands and legs, complaining of difficulty in movement. We prescribe medications to alleviate pain, fever, and inflammation. In certain cases, a small dose of steroids is necessary. For those experiencing severe pain, we also use an anti-malarial drug called hydroxychloroquine," he stated.
Viral Fever Season and Possible Causes
Dr. V Ramasubramanian from Apollo Hospital pointed to the viral fever season as a key factor. "It could be one of the mutations or a virus such as chikungunya," he suggested. This trend aligns with an unusual increase in detections of respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and coronavirus. However, he clarified that these are not Covid-19 strains, noting that coronavirus refers to a broad family of viruses causing respiratory illnesses from the common cold to more serious conditions.
Common Symptoms and Patient Experiences
Most affected individuals experience a range of symptoms beyond fever and joint pain. These include headaches, muscle pain, rashes, peeling skin on the palms, and general fatigue. The combination of these symptoms can be particularly challenging for patients, affecting their overall well-being.
Medical Advice and Treatment Protocols
Doctors emphasize the importance of rest during the acute phase of the illness. Patients are allowed to return to work with the aid of painkillers to manage symptoms. Some individuals require ongoing monitoring for prolonged arthritis, where joint pain, stiffness, or swelling lasts more than two weeks beyond the initial phase.
Elderly people, pregnant women, and those with comorbid conditions may need hospital admission, although morbidity rates remain low. Medical professionals strongly advise against self-medication. "We also tell people not to take medicines without a prescription because some medicines can be contraindicated," added Dr. Ramasubramanian.
This health advisory comes as Chennai's hospitals continue to manage the influx of patients, ensuring proper care and guidance for those affected by this seasonal viral outbreak.
