Ernakulam hospitals reach full capacity amid rise in influenza cases

…9,377, with 104 deaths reported. Dr. G. Sathyajith Nair, paediatrician and secretary of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), Kochi Branch, said the number of cases has gradually started to show a decreasing trend. “ We have moved past the wave of increased case reporting when hospitals were running out of beds to accommodate patients. Now, even though people are getting infected, the severity of the disease has diminished ,” said Dr. Nair. He added that in two months the cases would dip. “This has become a regular affair post-pandemic. The only solution is to get vaccinated, which will prevent the need for hospitalisation or any…

…for fever and influenza cases. Anoop Joseph, superintendent of the Government Medical College, Ernakulam, says that a spike in the number of patients being admitted for influenza and viral fever has been observed. “ There is no denying that there has been an influx of patients, but this is as per our expectation. The months of June and July generally witness a spike in these cases, and we are avoiding any floor cases (accommodating/treating patients on the hospital floor) and ensuring beds for all,” said Dr. Joseph. The…

…is slowly losing its strength, but caution still needs to be exercised to prevent the spread of the disease. Meanwhile, District Medical Officer Dr. R. Shahirsha said there is no cause for concern about the disease. “ The numbers are high as the district has a more mobile community. Further, more testing is done, which leads to higher reporting of the disease. Social distancing and use of masks are among key measures to control its spread ,” said Dr. Shahirsha. Of the 607 cases reported in the State in the first five days of the month, 274 cases were from Ernakulam. Five deaths were reported this month. Of the more than 2,700 cases reported in the State…

…not get a private room. Devaki Bhaagi, an actor, said she had to wait past midnight in the hospital casualty, hoping they would get a private room for better treatment for her daughter, who was down with viral fever. “ We eventually had to leave for home. We reached out to multiple hospitals, but none had any availability. We eventually got a room the next day, late at night,” said Ms. Bhaagi. Spokespersons at private hospitals opine that the season has seen a spike in influenza and fever cases and that, with more people opting for…