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Dengue & Swine Flu Surge: City Hospitals Overwhelmed
12 Sep
Summary
- Dengue and swine flu cases are rising simultaneously, overwhelming city hospitals.
- Younger patients, under 50, are predominantly affected by the dual outbreak.
- Symptoms include fever, body pain, dehydration, and significant platelet drops.
Over the past fortnight, Ahmedabad hospitals have experienced a significant increase in patient admissions due to a simultaneous surge in dengue and swine flu cases. This dual outbreak is primarily affecting younger patients under the age of 50, according to medical specialists.
Common symptoms prompting hospital visits include high-grade fever lasting several days, body pain, dehydration, nausea, headache, and malaise. Doctors note a concerning drop in white blood cell counts and significant platelet reduction in some patients. Identifying the specific infection requires laboratory testing, as both dengue and H1N1 can present with similar initial symptoms.
The increase in admissions is attributed to factors such as prolonged high fever leading to fluid loss and potential exposure in industrial areas, construction sites, and open spaces. While most patients recover within four to five days with supportive care, a small percentage (2-3%) develop severe symptoms, especially those with compromised immunity or pre-existing health conditions.
