Amid unseasonal rain, docs warn of flu, dengue, malaria

Doctors said the weather is favourable for viral infections. Representation pic

With unseasonal rain lashing the city, Mumbai doctors warn of a rise in flu and viral cases along with vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue and chikungunya in coming days. Doctors said they have been witnessing a rise in swine flu and dengue cases and are worried that it will rise in the coming days.

Dr Kedar Toraskar, critical care specialist, Wockhardt Hospital, said the sudden rainfall in the city has brought air pollution under control but it can be bad news for Mumbaikars prone to allergy rhinitis. "People who have allergy issues can have trouble as it may get bad. The sudden drop in temperature and change in climate can lead to more viral infections. Influenza and swine flu cases also can rise in coming days," he said.

Dr Hemant Thacker, physician at Breach Candy Hospital, said Mumbaikars should be extra careful so that they don't catch any viral infection. "Such weather is favourable for viral infections. We will see a rise in respiratory illnesses. With swine flu being a viral infection affecting respiratory organs, chances of swine flu going up is high," he said, adding that he has seen cases of dengue and gastroenteritis in the past 24 hours. "I have been getting more patients with gastroenteritis with symptoms of loose motions and vomiting," he said.

Agreeing with Dr Thacker, Dr Om Shrivastav, infectious diseases expert, said people need to be careful with what they eat and drink. "One should avoid eating and drinking out. We may see a spurt in gut infections. The sudden change in weather may also lead to more respiratory tract infection. Children, senior citizens and immunocompromised patients need to be more careful," he said.

Dr Abhay Vispute, internal medicine expert and medical director of SRV Group of Hospitals, said they are seeing a rise in aggravated cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma with pneumonia. "These cases are expected to go up in the coming days. COPD and asthma patients need to be careful and take their medicines regularly and consult their doctors. It is advisable to take influenza vaccines too as there have been a fair amount of swine flu and influenza cases which may rise too," he said.