The fluctuation in temperature might bring relief to people from the cold waves but Mumbaikars are increasingly falling prey to seasonal flues.
The fluctuation in temperature might bring relief to people from the cold waves but Mumbaikars are increasingly falling prey to seasonal flues. Those with low immunity are most vulnerable to the viruses that grow stronger with sudden change in temperature. The footfall in hospitals has also increased by 30 per cent due to flu patients.
Since Wednesday, there has been a consistent fluctuation in the temperature. On Wednesday, the Santa Cruz station recorded 11 degree Celsius, the lowest temperature of this season. That rose to 18 degree Celsius on Friday. And it again dropped to 16.6 degrees on Saturday.
People have been lining up at hospitals and clinics with complaints of headache, fever, stomach pain and cold. “These are symptoms of seasonal infection that lasts for four to five days and patients recover themselves. Fluctuation in temperature provides the best condition to the virus to thrive,” said Dr Pushpa Ghatkole, a general physician at Parel.
Total footfall of patients related to flu has increased by 30 per cent at JJ Hospital. “This fluctuation in temperature is ideal for micro-organisms to multiply. Almost 60 per cent coming in the out-patient department and 70 per cent in the emergency have viral or seasonal infection,” said medical superintendent of JJ Hospital, Dr Nitin Bavdekar.
Experts advise to localise the symptoms that help in identifying the cause. Sudden cough, running nose, sore throat and headache indicate upper respiratory tract infections. “These viruses are self-limiting and a symptomatic treatment helps to bring down the fever or cold,” added Dr Ghatkole.
They also advised not to use antibiotics without doctor’s recommendation as if a patient develops resistance to it due to irresponsible usage, it can deteriorate the health condition. “Paracetamol is the safest medicine for fever, while for cough and cold, antibiotics are prescribed only if the fever doesn’t subside and there is evidence of bacterial infections. Unnecessary usage of antibiotics should be limited,” said Dr Bakul Jayant Parekh, president of Indian Association of Pediatric (IAP) of Mumbai chapter and national treasurer of Central IAP (CIAP).
Children and people with respiratory ailments should take extra precautionary measures. “These infections can prove fatal for patients with medical history of respiratory problems. Extended and fluctuating winter are the most dangerous conditions for such patients,” added Dr Parekh.
