There’s an unusual increase in fever and respiratory illnesses among children, keeping doctors busy.
What’s happening? In the colder months of December and January, it’s common for kids to fall sick with fever and respiratory illnesses. Cases usually decrease in February, but it hasn’t this time. There’s also concern about the increasing number of typhoid cases. Hospitals continue to see children with fevers, colds, and sore throats.
- Usually, typhoid cases spike between May and June and subside by September. Last year, during this timeframe, there weren’t many typhoid cases.
- Even after being discharged, some patients return, asking for antibiotics. Children are exposed to the virus by the time they turn 2. Due to the pandemic restrictions, their immunity has been lowered.
Who said what? Dr Bala Ramachandran from the Kanchi Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital said they’re as busy as they were in December. There are usually fewer cases after Pongal until April-May. Dr Deepa Hariharan of Sooriya hospitals said it’s hazardous for younger kids who take longer to recover from illnesses.