Doctors advise caution as pneumonia cases rise among elderly

Hyderabad: Hyderabad is witnessing a sustained wave of seasonal flu and other respiratory infections this winter, with hospitals across the city reporting a steady flow of patients even as December draws to a close.

Viral fever and cold are affecting all age groups

Physicians say the pattern this year is different from short, sharp spikes seen earlier; instead, the city is dealing with a prolonged circulation of viruses affecting all age groups, particularly senior citizens.

From outpatient clinics in Secunderabad and Ameerpet to tertiary care hospitals in Banjara Hills and Hitech City, doctors describe packed waiting rooms with patients complaining of fever, persistent cough, sore throat, fatigue and body pain, symptoms that often linger for over a week.

How many are still falling sick?

While the Telangana Health Department has not released a consolidated city-wide number for seasonal flu cases, senior physicians estimate that a significant proportion of urban households have reported at least one flu-like illness in the past six to eight weeks.

Private hospitals in Hyderabad indicate that:

• Daily outpatient flu consultations remain higher than average for this time of year

• Many patients are seeking care after 7–10 days of unresolved symptoms

• Repeat infections within families are common, suggesting continued community spread

Dr S Raghuram, a consultant physician at a private hospital in Somajiguda, speaking to NewsMeter, said, “This season, the flu has not peaked and declined quickly. It is circulating continuously. People recover, but new patients keep coming in every day.”

Pneumonia cases among senior citizens

One of the most concerning trends this season has been the rise in pneumonia complaints among elderly patients, particularly those above 60 years.

Doctors across Hyderabad report that:

• Senior citizens with flu symptoms are progressing to chest infections more frequently

• Many arrive at hospitals with low oxygen levels and breathlessness

• Pneumonia cases are often detected after delayed medical consultation at home

Pulmonologists estimate that a noticeable percentage of elderly flu patients this season have required hospital admission, compared to younger patients who largely recover with outpatient treatment.

Dr Sakshi Rao, a pulmonologist at a tertiary care hospital in Jubilee Hills, notes, “Older adults are not bouncing back easily. We are diagnosing viral pneumonia and secondary bacterial infections more often this winter, especially in patients with diabetes, heart disease or a history of smoking.”

She adds that even individuals who initially experienced mild symptoms are later developing complications if treatment is delayed.

Covid-19: Present, but not dominant

Covid-19 has not disappeared from Hyderabad, but doctors say it is not the primary driver of respiratory illness this season.

• Sporadic Covid-19 positive cases are still being detected

• Most cases are mild to moderate, managed at home

• Hospitalisations due to Covid-19 remain limited compared to previous years

Physicians explain that Covid-19 now behaves like one of several circulating respiratory viruses rather than a standalone public health emergency.

A senior infectious disease specialist from Hyderabad explains, “Covid is still around, but influenza and other viral infections are causing more outpatient visits right now. We are testing selectively, especially for elderly and high-risk patients.”

Swine flu (H1N1) and other influenza strains

Swine flu, or Influenza A (H1N1), continues to circulate seasonally in Hyderabad along with other influenza strains. Doctors confirm that:

• Confirmed H1N1 cases are being detected, but numbers are not unusually high

• Most infections respond well to early antiviral treatment

• Severe cases are mainly seen in patients with co-morbidities

Influenza A (including H1N1 and H3 variants) is believed to be responsible for a large share of current flu cases, though many patients are treated clinically without lab confirmation unless symptoms worsen.

Dr Raghuram explains, “We don’t test every flu patient. But based on symptom patterns and response to treatment, influenza A is clearly circulating widely in Hyderabad.”

Pressure on city hospitals

Hyderabad’s healthcare system has not been overwhelmed, but doctors acknowledge increased pressure on:

• Emergency rooms during night hours

• ICU beds for elderly pneumonia patients

• Diagnostic services such as chest X-rays and blood tests

Private hospitals report that short hospital stays of 2–4 days for pneumonia and severe flu symptoms are common this season.

Why this season feels worse

Doctors point to several contributing factors:

• Sudden weather fluctuations between warm days and cooler nights

• Increased indoor crowding and air-conditioned environments

• Lower immunity among older adults after repeated viral exposures over recent years

• Delayed care due to people initially self-medicating at home

What doctors are advising Hyderabad residents

Medical professionals across the city are urging:

• Early consultation if the fever lasts beyond three days

• Immediate medical attention for breathlessness, chest pain or confusion

• Extra caution for senior citizens, including masking in crowded places

• Annual flu vaccination for high-risk groups

Dr Rao emphasises, “This is not a season to ignore symptoms, especially for the elderly. Pneumonia caught early is manageable. Pneumonia caught late becomes dangerous.”

The road ahead

As Hyderabad moves deeper into winter, doctors expect respiratory viruses to continue circulating for several more weeks.

While most cases remain manageable, the burden on senior citizens and those with chronic illnesses remains a concern.

Health experts stress that awareness, timely care and basic precautions can significantly reduce complications, even as the city learns to live with multiple respiratory viruses as part of its post-pandemic reality.