With COVID case numbers in Chennai plateauing, other than respiratory illnesses, flu-like illnesses, particularly influenza A and H1N1, are now filling hospital wards. So far, more than 80 children have been taken to the Institute of Child Health in Egmore, after the pediatric wards in several private hospitals reported full occupancy. Also, schools across the city are reporting a surge in the number of students with flu-like symptoms. Several experts have pointed out that not wearing a mask or following proper COVID protocols has resulted in an increased transmission rate inside the classroom.

Dr. Subramanian Swaminathan, an expert in infectious diseases at Gleneagles Global Hospital, stated that there has been a cascading effect, as several family members of the affected children are also reporting sickness. He added that currently, it is not just COVID-19, but they are observing a spike in a range of viral infections, such as respiratory illness, influenza A, H1N1, etc. Similarly, Dr. V. Ramasubramanian of Apollo Hospitals added that for almost three weeks, they have been observing an increase in patients with H1N1. In some cases, especially among children, there are reports of repeated infections in less than a month due to repeated exposure.

In the meantime, Dr. S Balasubramanian, Pediatrician, Kanchi Kamakoti Children′s Trust Hospital noted that although fever settles down in three to four days, children have prolonged coughs for at least two weeks. This cough does not respond to any cough syrup. Hence, they have asked the children to take one teaspoon of honey at night.