Bengaluru: The sudden change in the weather has started taking a toll on people’s health in the city as the number of patients affected with viral fever and other infections has increased significantly over the last few days.
Because of big variations in the temperature, people are falling prey to infections. Doctors say that there has been nearly 50% increase in instances of fever, cough, severe throat pain and other infections across the city in just the last two weeks. There is a 35% increase in patients in government hospitals and 50% increase in private hospitals than the norm.
Dr Sudha Menon, Director, Internal Medicine at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, said, “We earlier used to report 10-15 cases a day, but in the last few weeks, it has gone up to 25 cases. There is a surge of respiratory infections due to the unstable weather pattern and worsening of allergies because of the smog effect. Seasonal flu and swine flu are still prevalent, though they last less than a month.”
Good hand hygiene is important and is an effective way to prevent sickness and spread of germs, said Dr Rajeeva Moger, Senior Consultant & Physician, Apollo Hospitals Bannerghatta Road. "Cold and virus infections can cause symptoms like cold, running nose and sore throat. The virus is contagious, spreads largely by droplets produced when those infected sneeze, cough or talk. A majority of the most dangerous infectious diseases can be reduced and even prevented simply by washing hands. One of the best way is to keep a hand sanitiser in your pocket. The most common infection during this season is the Swine Flu. Earlier only dengue cases were prevalent, but now swine flu is also added to the list. One can avoid getting the flu by opting for a flu vaccine, which can be taken once a year. While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them,” he advised.
Experts stressed that proper nutrition, regular exercise and avoiding crowded places would reduce chances of picking up infections.
