In recent weeks, there has been an increase in instances of a respiratory virus similar to adenovirus, influenza, and Swine Flu in Hyderabad. According to Hindustan Times, this virus typically affects youngsters and people with underlying health concerns.

Despite this, health professionals guarantee that there is no need for concern because it has a 100% recovery rate after five days. Sore throat, dry cough, fever, runny nose, breathing problems, and body aches are common symptoms.

Dr. Syed Abdul Aleem, Consultant – Pulmonology CARE Hospitals, Musheerabad, Hyderabad said,

“We have been seeing an acute febrile viral illness for the past 6-8 weeks now and we have observed coryzal symptoms in these patients. This virus has been affecting 6-7 out of 100 people, and 50% of them are children.”

“This is because the immunity of the children is not fully developed. The other 50% of patients are adults with comorbid lung diseases like COPD (also called smoker’s asthma), Post TB and Covid-destroyed lungs and asthma,” he added.

Dr. Aleem advised conducting tests like Covid RT-PCR, H1N1, H3N2, and Influenza A&B to identify the mystery virus, possibly COVID-19, Influenza, Adeno, or MERS. For respiratory failure, doctors are using the antiviral drug Oseltamivir with promising results. Precautions include wearing N95 masks during coughing or sneezing, social distancing, thorough sanitization, and influenza vaccination, among other safety measures.