Bengaluru: As pre-monsoon showers turn into full-blown rains across Bengaluru, city hospitals are witnessing a surge in viral infections, particularly respiratory illnesses.Doctors are reporting a spike in cases of cold, cough, fever, flu-like symptoms, and in some children, peculiar facial rashes that have left many parents alarmed.They say key triggers are sudden temperature drops, rising humidity, and increased social mixing in closed environments. Closed, poorly ventilated spaces create ideal conditions for airborne viruses to spread.Dr Darshana Reddy, senior consultant in internal medicine at Altius Hospital in HBR Layout, said, “We’re seeing an increase in upper respiratory tract infections, especially the common cold, cough, and flu-like illnesses. About 60–70% of my OPD is now respiratory viral cases. The sudden weather shifts and rise in humidity are creating the perfect recipe for viruses to thrive and spread.”Alongside respiratory infections, there’s also an uptick in cases of viral fevers accompanied by body aches, fatigue, sore throat, and even viral arthritis, a condition where patients report lingering joint pain post-infection. Dr Reddy said she’s treating about 7–8 such patients daily, with children, elderly, and adults with compromised immunity being the most vulnerable.Dr Nasiruddin G, consultant, internal medicine, at Fortis Hospital (Rajajinagar), said, “There’s nearly a 30% increase in outpatient visits. We’re seeing 5 to 10 new cases every day. Besides flu, many patients are reporting post-viral fatigue and joint pain, which mimic illnesses like chikungunya and dengue.”The persistent rains have also triggered a rise in gastrointestinal illnesses, according to Dr Aditya S Chowti, director of internal medicine at TriLife Hospital. “The moist environment is ideal for all kinds of infections to spread. We’re currently seeing 8–10 new flu cases daily, which is around 30% higher than what we see during dry months,” he noted.At Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Centre in K R Pura, Dr Sampat Kumar Shettigar, senior consultant in paediatrics and neonatology, is seeing a near doubling of flu cases among children. “I usually see 10–15 kids with cold and fever in a day. Now, it’s 20 to 25. That translates to over 130 flu cases a week, up from about 70 earlier.” And it’s not just flu — doctors are also seeing unusual facial rashes, particularly in toddlers under the age of three. “These aren’t like measles or chickenpox. It’s just a weird rash over the face that can be viral because of the eccentric weather. But because most parents are only familiar with classic infectious diseases, they panic. Kids are returning from vacations and are naturally more exposed. The youngest ones in the family often get sick first, and then it spreads,” Dr Shettigar said.BOX: How to stay safe during rains– Maintain strict hand hygiene– Avoid crowded and poorly ventilated spaces– Stay hydrated and eat well for better immunity– Wear masks if symptomatic– Limit the intake of outside food and water