1 week Ago
Bengaluru: Hospitals are witnessing a sharp rise in flu cases among pregnant women: At least two expectant mothers have been reporting flu symptoms every day in the last six weeks, say experts. Doctors point to a combination of immune system changes during pregnancy, seasonal factors and crowded gatherings as the main reasons. "Pregnant and postpartum women, particularly those within two weeks post-delivery, face a higher risk of developing influenza due to significant immune system changes during pregnancy," said Dr Priya SP Patil, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Altius Hospital.
"Every day, we see at least 2 pregnant women in our OPDs. As pregnancy progresses, symptom severity tends to increase, putting women in later stages at even greater risk." Dr Priya added that women with underlying conditions such as diabetes, cardiopulmonary diseases or immunosuppressive disorders like HIV face even higher risks.
"Not only are they more likely to contract flu, but they also experience higher rates of complications and hospitalisations compared to general population," she noted. She also warned that severe symptoms, such as dehydration, difficulty in breathing and high fever, require immediate medical attention. Dr Usha BR, fertility consultant and robotic surgeon, Fortis Hospital, highlighted the physiological challenges that make pregnant women more vulnerable to flu.
"During pregnancy, the immune system is suppressed to prevent rejection of the foetus, making women more prone to infections. Additionally, pregnancy hormones can affect the respiratory system, making it harder to breathe," she explained. Dr Usha pointed to a marked rise in flu cases, stating, "We've seen an increase from 2 patients per day to more than 10 a week.
" Dr Shwetha Krishnamurthy, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Sparsh Hospital, linked the rise in cases to seasonal factors. She said, "Currently, flu cases account for 30-40% of pregnant women we see daily. While we expect a gradual decline as temperatures rise in Feb, the trend is likely to persist through Jan.
" Temperature effect The sharp dip in night-time temperatures, coupled with reduced humidity, create an ideal environment for respiratory illnesses to thrive, said Dr Sachin Kumar, senior consultant - pulmonology & critical care medicine, Sakra World Hospital. "Holiday activities such as migration, overcrowded celebrations and travel have fuelled the spread of viruses. People returning to the city after visiting their hometowns unknowingly contributed to the surge in infections.
Additionally, the climate's impact is compounded by the growing prevalence of certain pathogens," he said. Doctors suggest adherence to hygiene practices: Wearing masks, avoiding crowded places and staying warm..
