Cases of viral fever spike with dip in mercury

NEWDELHI: With a dip in temperature in Delhi, doctors say they there has been a significant rise in cases of viral fever and cold-related ailments.

“There has been an increase of nearly 30% in the number of people coming in with fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough and cold, especially in the last two or three days after the temperature dipped significantly,” said Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant for internal medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.

Viral allergic bronchitis caused by exposure to cold is also on the rise, the doctor said.

“At this time, when people come in with fever, we assume that it is a viral infection because that is what is doing the rounds. If it does not resolve on its own in three-to-five days and shows symptoms consistent with dengue or typhoid, we get them tested,” said Dr Srikant Sharma, senior consulting physician at Moolchand Hospital.

The increase in the viral infections usually happens with a change in the season. “When the temperature drops suddenly, the body is not accustomed to it, which is why there is a rise in the number of viral infections during this time every year,” said Dr Chatterjee.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Gargle is crucial in keeping the infections away, doctors say.

“The viruses usually enter the body through the throat, multiply and then move on to either the stomach or the blood stream. So, if you have any cough or irritation in the throat, gargle with salt water every four hours. The heat and salt make the environment non-conducive for the growth of a virus,” said Dr Sharma.

“Cover up properly. Make sure than you have enough layers on before you step out of the house. Also, do not step out to the streets directly, wait in the lobby or in a slightly covered area after stepping out of your home or office to let the body adjust to the temperature outside,” said Dr Chatterjee.

“Also, if you have a viral fever, take rest. Do not go to office and other crowded places because you risk spreading the infection,” said Dr Sharma.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

“In most cases, steam inhalation and gargling for the throat and an anti-allergic medicine for runny nose will help. People can take a paracetamol if the fever is high, but if the fever is accompanied with breathlessness and yellow or green sputum, a doctor must be consulted ,” said Dr Chatterjee.