Schools across Bengaluru are emerging as major centres of influenza spread, with doctors reporting an alarming weekly rise in H1N1 and H3N2 cases. Hospitals citywide have seen a surge in patients presenting with high fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches—clear signs of widespread viral circulation.

Dr Vinay D, Infectious Disease Specialist at Apollo Hospitals, said that classrooms and daycare centres have long been “hotbeds of virus transmission.” He urged schools and families to reinforce preventive measures including hand hygiene, masking, and temporary isolation for symptomatic children. “Vaccination remains the most effective shield, especially for children, senior citizens, and those with chronic health conditions,” he said.

Multiple specialists confirmed that influenza activity has persisted for more than three months, surpassing seasonal dengue infections. According to Dr Basavaraj S Kumbar from Aster Whitefield, “Adults between 35 and 55 years are now reporting prolonged cough, sinus congestion and fatigue. Children, however, are primary carriers, bringing infections home from school.” Dr Sandeep S Reddy from Ramaiah Memorial Hospital noted that nearly two-thirds of outpatients and as many as 90 percent of inpatients in infection wards are testing positive for H3N2.

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In one of the city’s key hospitals, 25 new H3N2 cases and 18 H1N1 cases are being detected each week, said Dr N.G. Kanchan of Trilife Hospital. She highlighted that the clinical picture often mimics common flu but can involve gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and diarrhoea, and in some cases, loss of smell or taste. Specialists like Dr Vinay Hosadurga of Vasavi Hospitals cautioned that delayed medical consultation can lead to severe pneumonia requiring ICU care. Early antiviral treatment within 48 hours of symptom onset, he said, greatly reduces complications.

Doctors across Bengaluru agree that timely vaccination and prompt attention to flu-like symptoms are vital to stem the spread. They are urging both educational institutions and parents to create awareness, as vulnerable groups—especially children under six and adults over 50 with preexisting conditions—remain most at risk. With schools at the centre of transmission, experts warn that immediate preventive action could avert a wider outbreak this season.

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