Temperature fluctuation leads to spurt in viral infections

MUMBAI: The fluctuation between day and night temperatures has led to a spurt in viral infections across the city. Doctors have been treating more patients with fever and upper respiratory tract infections as evenings get chillier.

On Sunday, for instance, temperature at the night fell by almost 50% at Santa Cruz. Doctors say that while contagious viruses remain in circulation throughout the year, it is a drastic temperature fall that makes people more susceptible to them. KEM Hospital’s outpatient department, for instance, has been treating 50-70 cases of fever every day. The spurt has been there for over a week now.

“It is mostly viral. People are coming with high grade fever, sore throat, body ache and runny nose. The first thing we suggest is rest. Viral infections do not need antibiotics,” said a senior doctor, adding that fever exceeding 100 degrees F should not be ignored. Sion Hospital too, has been treating an increased flow of fever cases.

The temperature dip combined with early morning smog is adding to the misery of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) patients. “There is a distinct rise in cases of laryngitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis and asthma cases. Children and elderly particularly usually having a tough time during this time of the year,” said Dr Shahid Bharmar, consultant physician at Kohinoor Hospital. The hospital has treated a few cases where patients have lost their voice due to throat complications.

Bharmar added that most viral ailments can be resolved without antibiotics. “Antibiotics should be prescribed only when there is a super added bacterial infection. Else patients should only be treated symptomatically,” he said. The KEM Hospital doctor added that those who are immuno-compromised need to exercise caution. He added that an ideal time to consult a doctor would be when cough disrupts sleep, fever remains persistent, patient feels breathless or there is a difference in the mucus.

The temperature fall has finally managed to cap the dengue menace though, say doctors. “There is a fall in cases of malaria and dengue and a rise in fever and chest infection cases,” said Dr Vijay Dalal from Andheri. Infectious disease expert Dr Om Srivastava said vaccination is an ideal prevention tool for the elderly and immuno-compromised individuals.