Across Delhi, patients are complaining of the irritating flu that is sweeping the city this season. Doctors claim that current infection is caused by influenza A (H3N2 virus). 

Dr. Sandeep Budhiraja, senior director at the Institute of Internal Medicine and group medical director for Max Healthcare said that the flus symptoms are more severe and slightly different from prior cases. The inability to work and concentrate, exhaustion, weakness, and long-lasting coughing fits, are some common complaints. In the majority of the worlds nations, seasonality has been prolonged, and the virus typically causes an allergic or inflammatory reaction or inflammation of the lungs or upper airways. Dry cough is persisting, but fever, cough, cold, and body soreness usually go away in three to five days. Many non-asthmatics have started acting like asthmatic people.

Dr. GC Khilnani, director of PSRI Center of Pulmonary, Critical care, and Sleep Medicine said that the respiratory viruses produce airway inflammation, although presentation and long-term effects can differ. Factors include genetic predisposition, pre-existing asthma, COPD, and other lung conditions. Wheezing, a persistent cough, a sore throat, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and inflammation that last longer are all symptoms of air pollution. Several antibiotic regimens are ineffective.

According to Dr. Manisha Arora, senior consultant of internal medicine at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, pollution can cause persistent coughing. Rest and hydration can help, but its important to see a doctor if it lasts longer than a week or is accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain or difficulty breathing.

Dr. Pradeep Kawatra, consultants in internal medicine at Fortis Escorts in Okhla suggested that the best treatment for a cough is anti-allergic medication and moderate bronchodilators, such as certain inhaler.

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/persistent-and-prolonged-cough-a-nagging-trait-of-flu-plaguing-delhi/98348281)