Doctors say India's shifting weather blurs cold, allergy, and flu symptoms

Indian doctors say unpredictable weather and pollution are blurring seasonal patterns, making colds, allergies, and flu harder to distinguish and increasing risk of delayed treatment. Cold, allergy, and flu share symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, and fatigue. Allergies rarely cause fever; flu hits suddenly with high fever, body aches, and exhaustion, and can become serious if untreated. Doctors urge annual influenza vaccination, especially for older adults, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions, plus handwashing, masks, and cough etiquette to reduce transmission.