Pune hospitals see rise in ‘long flu’ cases

By Admin

18 Aug, 2025

Pune hospitals are witnessing a sharp rise in cases of what doctors are calling ‘long flu’, a condition where influenza-like symptoms such as cough, fever, cold, body aches, and fatigue continue for more than four weeks. Unlike the regular seasonal flu that usually subsides within three to five days with rest and medication, these prolonged cases are linked to H1N1 (Swine flu) and the H3N2 subtype of the influenza A virus.

Symptoms Stretching Beyond Normal Recovery

Over the past month, hospitals across the city have recorded an increase in patients whose cough, weakness, and body pain linger far beyond the expected recovery period. Doctors note that this trend is affecting both children and adults, with many experiencing a slow and challenging recovery process.

Dr. Ameet Dravid, infectious diseases expert at Noble Hospital, highlighted that patients infected with H3N2 are particularly prone to longer recovery periods. “The symptoms, like weakness and cough, last for over four weeks. This season, we have seen several patients with prolonged flu-like symptoms. However, only a few patients have undergone testing,” he said.

Rising Pediatric Cases

Children have also been significantly impacted. According to Dr. Prashant Udavant, paediatrician at Ruby Hall Clinic, there has been a clear surge in pediatric patients testing positive for H3N2. “In a month, over 10 children have tested positive. Daily, around 25 to 30 children come with flu infections. Most complain of high fever, dehydration, vomiting, cold, cough, and fatigue. The respiratory symptoms are reported later in the second week of infection. Families often get infected one after the other,” he explained.

Parents have also shared their concerns. One parent described, “My son initially had high fever, cold, cough, and dehydration. After three days, the fever and cold vanished, but his cough has persisted for four weeks now, along with loss of appetite.”

Expert Advice on Recovery

While most flu patients typically recover within a week, some continue to suffer from post-viral symptoms. Dr. Preeti Ajapuje, Infectious Disease expert at VishwaRaj Hospital, explained that these lingering issues are often seen in patients with comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, as well as in those above 60 years of age.

“The treatment is largely conservative, focusing on fever and pain relief,” she noted. “We generally advise regular exercise and lifestyle modifications to help with faster recovery. Patients with weaker immunity or underlying conditions are more likely to face prolonged illness.”

The Way Forward

The rise in long flu cases has raised concerns for both families and healthcare providers in Pune. While most cases eventually resolve, the prolonged recovery period highlights the importance of:

• Early medical consultation for flu-like symptoms
  
  

• Proper rest and hydration
  
  

• Strengthening immunity through healthy lifestyle habits
  
  

• Extra care for children, elderly, and those with chronic illnesses
  
  

As the city continues to battle seasonal flu waves, doctors urge citizens not to ignore persistent symptoms and to seek timely medical advice.