Hiranandani hospital: Rise in viral infections in Mumbai among children

Mumbai Children's viral infections are on the rise, according to municipal doctors. In the midst of the current pandemic and the threat of the novel SARS-CoV-2 variant Omicron, experts advised parents to seek medical help right away rather than waste the first days of symptoms by self-medicating at home.

"In the last few days, we've seen a number of upper respiratory tract infections as well as lower respiratory tract infections among youngsters," said Dr Bela Verma, chief of the state-run JJ Hospital's paediatric department. "Though the infections are low right now. Because SARS-CoV-2 is still circulating, we are ruling out Covid-19 in all patients. But, with the exception of one, practically all of our patients have tested negative for Covid," she noted.

According to Dr. Verma, three out of every ten paediatric patients has a viral infection. Hiranandani hospital is admitting kids who have lower respiratory infections.  They are also admitting children who are having trouble breathing, as well as coughing and fever. Treatments like Oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, and other supportive treatments are used to treat kids, according to Dr. Verma.

According to Hiranandani Hospital Powai News, the poor air quality in Mumbai, as well as the layers of haze that have blanketed the city for several days, has exacerbated respiratory disorders, particularly among adults and children with pre-existing lung conditions. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research, south Mumbai had the worse air quality than Delhi on November 16, with Colaba's air quality index reaching 345. 

Dr. Neeraj Tulara, an infectious disease specialist at L H Hiranandani Hospital in Powai, said there has been an uptick in the last two weeks. "In the last two weeks, the number of dengue fever cases has decreased dramatically. There aren't many Covid cases anymore. "Around 60% to 70% of patients have a typical cold, flu, or viral fever," says Dr. Tulara. "Parents should teach their children about the need of taking safeguards. Children should not go to school or play if they have flu symptoms," he said.

According to Dr Sujit Chatterjee CEO Hiranandani hospital, following Covid-appropriate behaviour like wearing a mask and washing hands can also assist to prevent the spread of the common flu.

Following the release of the new Covid-19 version, the task force is expected to meet on Tuesday to consider school reopening. Dr. Bakul Parekh, a member of the paediatric Covid-19 task team, said, "We have given the go-ahead for Covid-19 vaccination for children in the age bracket of 12 to 18 years."