Over the past two weeks, doctors in Kolkata have seen several cases of multiple infections. Multiple viral or dual viral-bacterial infections are among the severe cases now being treated in hospitals.

Several diseases are spreading around the city, knocking thousands of people out with fever, coughing, and breathing problems. The most common viruses thus far have been adenovirus, influenza A, influenza B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), metapneumovirus, rhinovirus, parainfluenza, and non-Covid coronaviruses. According to hospitals, H3N2, a subtype of influenza A, has also been identified regularly this month.

A 65-year-old woman was admitted to CMRI Hospital after simultaneously contracting four different viruses. Dr. Raja Dhar, the director of pulmonology at CMRI, stated that even though they had seen many cases of multiple infections, this is exceptional. With significant symptoms and a prolonged recovery time, some instances are highly severe. This time, the viruses transmissibility has also increased significantly. The 65-year olds –daughter was also admitted with a viral infection, and several other family members also reported less severe infections.

Many cases of various infections, including those in children, have also been found at Peerless Hospital. The hospital detected several viruses in about 10% of the tested samples. Elders with comorbidities experienced multiple virus assaults that become increasingly severe.

According to Dr. Shubhadeep Sinha, a consultant in infectious diseases at Pace Hospitals in Hyderabad, patients who have comorbid conditions like diabetes, weakened kidneys, or HIV is more likely to have concurrent secondary infections that result in pneumonia and other lung infections.

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/seasonal-viruses-now-attacking-in-packs-raising-case-severity-kolkata-doctors/98593348)