Nip in air sparks flu fear

Cool nights and hot days before Diwali have triggered a spurt in viral fever and influenza in the city. Doctors attributed the increase in viral infections and cold to the decreased immunity during sudden fluctuation in the weather conditions.

Dr Sanjay Kumar, a city-based physician, said eight to 10 patients were coming to his chamber daily down with flu.

“These days, there is big difference between the day and night temperatures. Those who have relatively poor immunity system fall ill easily during times like these. Common cold, high fever and sore throat are primary symptoms of weather-related ailments,” he said.

Dr Naren Verma explained how immunity gets reduced during changing climatic condition. “Our lungs are naturally designed to prevent any virus from entering the body through respiratory tracts. Cilia — thin thread-like parts — take up this responsibility. If there is a sudden change in weather, cilia lose efficiency. Taking advantage of it, viruses enter the body, triggering different kinds of fevers and other health problems,” he said.

“Symptoms of almost all the viral fevers are the same. Cough, cold, body ache and fever are the common signs. But each virus causes a different kind of viral fever. Nearly 60 per cent of the diseases caused by virus are prevented by our immune system. They cause more diseases in the people who have less resistance power,” he added.

A renowned paediatrician said children are most susceptible to viral infections during the change of weather. “Any member of the family who has a common cold may spread viral droplets through the air, which are easily inhaled by infants. It might lead to sneezing and watery discharge from kids’ nose. They might also run fever. To avoid these, anyone suffering from cold should not be allowed to handle infants,” the doctor said.

Although Paracetamol syrup is widely used to bring down the temperature of infants, the doctor suggested people to consult a paediatrician before administering the medicine to kids.

“If the doctor suggests antibiotics, its full course should be taken. For, stopping the course midway may cause chronic problems,” he added.