Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Is It Flu or Heat Stress? Delhi Doctors Report Rising Fever, Sore Throat Cases Amid Heatwave

Wondering why, in the peak of the summer, you are suffering from flu-like symptoms such as a sore throat and fever. Then you may not be alone. According to Delhi-based doctors, several patients are reporting to OPDs with a cold, cough, and severe fever.

India’s national capital, New Delhi, is currently reeling under extreme heat and heatwaves. With temperatures already soaring past seasonal norms, the region is also seeing a rise in cases of flu.

According to the latest weather bulletin by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there will be a steady rise in daytime temperatures over the next couple of days.

Maximum temperatures are expected to climb by 1-2°C over the next two days, remaining above normal for at least five days. The mercury has already been hovering between 40 °C and 42 °C, with Safdarjung recording 40.7°C, about 3 °C above normal. Nights are no cooler, with minimum temperatures ranging between 23 °C and 26 °C-also above average.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/heatwave-in-india-delhi-govt-issues-advisory-for-schools-urges-hydration-and-reduced-outdoor-activity-article-154135353" data-type="tilCustomLink">Heatwave in India: Delhi Govt Issues Advisory For Schools, Urges Hydration And Reduced Outdoor Activity</a>

HealthandMe spoke to city doctors to understand whether the conditions are due to heat stress or is it summer flu and the reasons behind.

“Definitely, summer flu is being seen in our hospital. Several patients are coming with a viral type of illness, and many of them have influenza or para-influenza virus, which causes cold, coughs, and severe fever,” Dr. Atul Kakar, Chairperson, Internal Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. 

According to Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Director of Internal Medicine, Yatharth Hospital, “there is a noticeable rise in cases of cough, cold, viral fever, and upper respiratory tract infections in our OPD.”

The doctors told HealthandMe that people are also reporting “severe gastroenteritis, which is also called the stomach flu”. In addition, there are cases of typhoid and paratyphoid also being seen in the summer months. 

<ul><li>The ongoing change in weather, </li><li>Irregular rain, </li><li>Heatwave, </li><li>Fluctuations in temperature </li><li>Unhygienic water and food.</li></ul>Dr Gupta noted that these weather conditions are leading to an increase in symptoms such as nasal congestion, sore throat, and fever.

“Such seasonal transitions often weaken immunity, making individuals more susceptible to infections,” the expert said.

Dr. Meenakshi Jain, Principal Director - Internal Medicine, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Patparganj, reported heat-related and bacterial illnesses in summer. 

"Delhi-NCR faces an early intense heatwave (temperatures nearing 40°C+), which boosts infections indirectly through weakened immunity, dehydration, and AC-induced indoor crowding,” she told HealthandMe. 

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/australia-reports-diphtheria-outbreak-in-almost-50-years-what-you-need-to-know-article-154145694" data-type="tilCustomLink">Australia Reports Diphtheria Outbreak In Almost 50 Years: What You Need to Know</a>

People must take timely precautions, including maintaining good hygiene, avoiding sudden exposure to cold, staying hydrated, and ensuring adequate rest.

Those infected must wear masks in crowded places and seek early medical advice in case of persistent symptoms to prevent complications. 

Dr. Jain noted that “heatwaves do not directly cause flu but worsen it via outdoor heat–indoor AC swings, pollution, and heat-stressed immunity”. 

Additional triggers include post-monsoon waterlogging, travel, and hygiene lapses at crowded events, the doctor said. 

Other measures to prevent flu conditions during peak summer include:

<ul><li>Hydration and heat avoidance: Drink 3–4L water daily, use ORS; stay indoors 11 AM–4 PM; wear light cotton clothes and hats. </li><li>Hygiene: Wash hands frequently, use masks in crowded/AC spots, drink only boiled/filtered water, and avoid street food. </li><li>Vaccination and monitoring: Get an annual flu vaccine for year-round protection; test for influenza if symptoms linger.</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

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Heatwave

Heat Stress

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Wondering why, in the peak of the summer, you are suffering from flu-like symptoms such as a sore throat and fever. Then you may not be alone. According to Delhi-based doctors, several patients are reporting to OPDs with a cold, cough, and severe fever.India’s national capital, New Delhi, is currently reeling under extreme heat and heatwaves. With temperatures already soaring past seasonal norms, the region is also seeing a rise in cases of flu.  According to the latest weather bulletin by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there will be a steady rise in daytime temperatures over the next couple of days. Maximum temperatures are expected to climb by 1-2°C over the next two days, remaining above normal for at least five days. The mercury has already been hovering between 40 °C and 42 °C, with Safdarjung recording 40.7°C, about 3 °C above normal. Nights are no cooler, with minimum temperatures ranging between 23 °C and 26 °C-also above average.Also read: Heatwave in India: Delhi Govt Issues Advisory For Schools, Urges Hydration And Reduced Outdoor ActivityHealthandMe spoke to city doctors to understand whether the conditions are due to heat stress or is it summer flu and the reasons behind. “Definitely, summer flu is being seen in our hospital. Several patients are coming with a viral type of illness, and many of them have influenza or para-influenza virus, which causes cold, coughs, and severe fever,” Dr. Atul Kakar, Chairperson, Internal Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. According to Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Director of Internal Medicine, Yatharth Hospital, “there is a noticeable rise in cases of cough, cold, viral fever, and upper respiratory tract infections in our OPD.”The doctors told HealthandMe that people are also reporting “severe gastroenteritis, which is also called the stomach flu”. In addition, there are cases of typhoid and paratyphoid also being seen in the summer months. The experts attributed the cases to The ongoing change in weather, Irregular rain, Heatwave, Fluctuations in temperature Unhygienic water and food.Dr Gupta noted that these weather conditions are leading to an increase in symptoms such as nasal congestion, sore throat, and fever. “Such seasonal transitions often weaken immunity, making individuals more susceptible to infections,” the expert said. Dr. Meenakshi Jain, Principal Director - Internal Medicine, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Patparganj, reported heat-related and bacterial illnesses in summer. "Delhi-NCR faces an early intense heatwave (temperatures nearing 40°C+), which boosts infections indirectly through weakened immunity, dehydration, and AC-induced indoor crowding,” she told HealthandMe. Read: Australia Reports Diphtheria Outbreak In Almost 50 Years: What You Need to KnowHow To Prevent? People must take timely precautions, including maintaining good hygiene, avoiding sudden exposure to cold, staying hydrated, and ensuring adequate rest. Those infected must wear masks in crowded places and seek early medical advice in case of persistent symptoms to prevent complications. Dr. Jain noted that “heatwaves do not directly cause flu but worsen it via outdoor heat–indoor AC swings, pollution, and heat-stressed immunity”. Additional triggers include post-monsoon waterlogging, travel, and hygiene lapses at crowded events, the doctor said. Other measures to prevent flu conditions during peak summer include: Hydration and heat avoidance: Drink 3–4L water daily, use ORS; stay indoors 11 AM–4 PM; wear light cotton clothes and hats. Hygiene: Wash hands frequently, use masks in crowded/AC spots, drink only boiled/filtered water, and avoid street food. Vaccination and monitoring: Get an annual flu vaccine for year-round protection; test for influenza if symptoms linger.