Monsoon gives city viral fever

Sporadic showers lead to spurt in viral infections and gastrointestinal cases

Monsoon gives city viral fever

Sporadic showers lead to spurt in viral infections and gastrointestinal cases

Clinics in the city are inundated with patients suffering from monsoon-related ailments these days. This trend is not unusual during the monsoons, but doctors said viral infections were large in numbers and spreading quickly. Also, there has been a spurt in cases of viral conjunctivitis, especially among children, who are more vulnerable to such infections.

"There is definitely an increase in the number of children coming to us with monsoon-related diseases. The maximum number of cases is those of viral infections such as common flu, which has typical symptoms like fever, body ache, runny nose and in some cases, ear discharge too.

Besides, a lot of gastrointestinal infections such as dysentery have been reported and that is mainly because children either eat out too often or food is contaminated," said Dr Dilip Sarda, a paediatrician. Doctors said that while minor illnesses were easy to control, medication and precaution should be sought early in order to prevent difficult situations from arising.

"People generally do not pay attention to cold and flu as they think it is common in rains. But it is important that people don't take anti-biotics on their own and see a doctor as sometimes situation can get serious. For example, fever could also mean dengue or malaria. Besides, we have seen children who had asthmatic attacks because of weather conditions developing serious respiratory infections," said Dr Jayant Navrange, paediatrician.

In adults too, viral infections are most common followed by gastrointestinal diseases said doctors. "When it rains continuously and heavily, the climate is clean and viral infections are few. But when rains are sporadic and sky is cloudy, viral infections are more. Also, accumulation of stagnant water leads to malaria," said Dr Avinash Bhondwe.

Monsoon precautions
> Avoid getting drenched in rains and if you do, wipe your head immediately
> Keep yourself warm
> Avoid eating out especially at hawkers stalls
> Avoid cold beverages and ice-golas
> Boil water and cool it before drinking
> Maintain a healthy and light diet that includes fruits
> If you get an infection, stay indoors to prevent spreading it
> Do not sneeze in public
> Wash your hands regularly

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