With the monsoon season underway, experts have said there is a surge in viral fevers and other seasonal infections during this time of the year. Prolonged fever, often neglected and labeled as a mild infection, could be an early sign of a serious condition. Timely investigation and proper diagnosis are important, especially in children, where fever may be the only visible symptom of an underlying issue.
Dr Nimitt Nagda, internal medicine expert, Zynova Shalby Hospital in Ghatkopar said, “With the start of the monsoon, we are seeing a big rise in cases of viral fever and PUO (pyrexia of unknown origin). In fact, about 30–40 per cent of patients visiting the OPD during this time come with fever-related complaints. The humid weather, waterlogging, and mosquito breeding create ideal conditions for infections to spread. Many patients come with high fever, body pain, headache, weakness, and sometimes skin rashes. It becomes difficult to find the exact cause without proper tests. In such cases, advanced tests help us identify the infection early and start the right treatment quickly.
He adds, “Early diagnosis also helps avoid complications and prevents the unnecessary use of antibiotics. We strongly advise people not to take medicines on their own. Drink enough water, maintain hygiene, and see a doctor if fever lasts more than three days. It is also important to control mosquitoes by keeping your surroundings clean and avoiding stagnant water. During this season, taking care of your health, getting tests done on time, and starting treatment early can help reduce serious infections. Staying alert and taking preventive steps is the best way to protect yourself and your family during the monsoon.”
Dr. Abhik Banerjee, zonal technical chief, East India, Apollo Diagnostic in Kolkata says viral fever happens due to different viruses that result in an elevated body temperature. These include dengue, influenza, chikungunya, and viral gastroenteritis, all of which spike during the monsoon. He further explains, “The incidences rise due to stagnant water, mosquito breeding, and consumption of contaminated food and water. The symptoms seen in people can be body aches, fatigue, sore throat, cough, rashes, or nausea. Alongside viral fevers, bacterial infections like typhoid and leptospirosis also see a rise, particularly in flood-affected or poorly drained areas. Treatment suggested by the expert is rest, hydration, and fever-reducing medications, while severe cases may need antiviral or supportive care. Preventive tips are maintaining hygiene, using mosquito repellents, drinking clean water, and avoiding street food during the rainy season.”
Dr Banerjee adds, “Moreover, Pyrexia of Unknown Origin (PUO) happens when a fever lasts more than three weeks. In pediatric cases, this becomes concerning as children may not show clear symptoms and struggle in silence. Common causes can be viral or bacterial infections to autoimmune conditions, or even hidden cancers. Parents should watch for signs like lethargy, poor appetite, weight loss, or intermittent fever and consult an expert if fever persists beyond 7–10 days. Remember, PUO requires a detailed testing involving blood cultures, imaging, and advanced lab tests to find the root cause and initiate prompt management without any delay.”
Timely diagnosis and management are key. “Advanced diagnostics measures such as multiplex PCR panels, inflammatory markers, ultrasound or MRI, and immunological tests help doctors to know the cause behind the fever. Managing PUO involves antibiotics and antivirals, to immunosuppressant’s. In all cases, early testing leads to faster recovery. So, parents should exercise caution and follow the guidelines given by the expert,” he concludes.