Flu (influenza), COVID-19 and acute bronchitis are infections of the nose, throat and airways, usually caused by viruses. They bring fever, cough, sore throat, body pain and tiredness. Most people recover at home with rest and fluids, but these infections can lead to pneumonia or low oxygen, especially in older people, small children, pregnant women and people with diabetes, heart, kidney or lung disease. Dr A. Ashok Kumar in Chittoor checks how serious the infection is, treats it, and provides oxygen and ICU care when needed.
Common symptoms of flu, COVID-19 & bronchitis
- Fever, chills and body pain
- Cough, sore throat and runny nose
- Tiredness and headache
- A chest cold with phlegm that lingers (acute bronchitis)
- Loss of taste or smell (COVID-19)
Get urgent care if you have
- Breathlessness or fast breathing
- Oxygen level below 94% on a finger meter
- Chest pain or pressure
- Confusion, drowsiness or bluish lips
- Fever that does not settle after 3 days, or comes back
Emergency? Call 093448 53689 or 108, or go to the nearest hospital.
Causes and risk factors
Flu and COVID-19 spread through droplets and the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, and from touched surfaces. Acute bronchitis usually follows a cold or flu; smoking and smoke exposure make it more likely and slower to settle.
Tests that help
Oxygen level (SpO₂) and blood gas checks
A small clip on the finger reads oxygen level at rest and while walking. In the ICU an arterial blood gas test measures oxygen and carbon dioxide directly to guide oxygen and ventilator support.
Chest X-ray and HRCT chest
Pictures of the lungs. A high-resolution CT (HRCT) shows fine detail and is important for ILD, bronchiectasis, unexplained cough and lung spots. Dr Ashok arranges the right scan and explains the report with you.
How Dr Ashok manages it
- Checking symptoms, oxygen level and personal risk factors
- Testing for flu or COVID-19 when the result changes treatment
- Early antiviral treatment for selected high-risk patients
- Relief of cough and wheeze in bronchitis; antibiotics only when there is a bacterial infection
- Oxygen support, hospital and ICU care for severe illness
- Follow-up for cough, breathlessness or tiredness that lingers after the infection
Living well
- Rest, drink plenty of fluids and eat light food
- Check oxygen with a finger meter if advised
- Cover coughs and wear a mask around elderly or unwell family members
- Wash hands often
- Ask about yearly flu and COVID-19 vaccines if you are at higher risk
Questions patients ask
Do I need antibiotics for flu or bronchitis?
Usually not. Flu, COVID-19 and most acute bronchitis are caused by viruses, and antibiotics do not work on viruses. The doctor uses them only when there are signs of a bacterial infection such as pneumonia.
How long does a cough last after a viral infection?
A cough can linger for up to three weeks after the fever settles. If it lasts longer than three weeks, or you are breathless, get checked.
When should I come to hospital?
Come at once if you are breathless, your oxygen is below 94%, you have chest pain, confusion or bluish lips, or the fever keeps coming back.
Is there a vaccine?
Yes. Yearly flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines lower the risk of severe illness, especially for people over 60 and those with long-term illnesses. Ask whether they suit you.