Pune: Drastic change in temperatures leads to rise in upper respiratory viral infections | Pune News

PUNE: Over the past one week, the drastic rise in temperatures and the change in climate has lead to a rise in upper respiratory viral infections. After a week of rains, there has been a rise in the temperature due to the October heat which has led to increase in fever, throat pain, common cold, and running nose. Children below 10 years of age are a vulnerable group of patients because of low immunity.The other age group is above 60 years of age. Those who have diabetes are prone because they have a low immunity status and are weaker so they can contract these viral infections easily.
Doctors across the city’s private hospitals are reporting a rise in viral infections as well. Dr Soumya Chandrasekar, head of ER at Jehangir Hospital, Consultant emergency department Jehangir Hospital said,” There has been a rise in the number of patients presenting to ER with influenza and influenza like illness(ILI) over the last few weeks. This can be attributed to the fluctuations in temperature and weather conditions. Some of them have presented with a severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) and required hospitalization. Most infections have been self-limiting (resolve within 5-7days) and require symptomatic management and hydration.”
Doctors attributed the rise in viral infections to the change in temperature in the month of October. Dr Prasad Kuvalekar, consultant physician internal medicine at DPU Private Super Speciality Hospital said, “In the month of October, there is a rapid increase in the temperature change. At present, the upper respiratory viral infections are on a surge namely fever, throat pain, common cold, and running nose. These viral diseases are because of consumption of polluted water in the post monsoon stage. Children below 10 years of age are a vulnerable group of patients because of low immunity. The other age group is above 60 years of age. Those who have diabetes are also more prone because they have a low immunity status and are weaker so they can contract these viral infections easily.”
“Yes, we have started recording cases of upper respiratory tract infections, diarrheal diseases and other viral infections. 70% – 80% rise in the number of cases was due to seasonal changes in the climate within the last week. It has been noticed in toddlers or the older population due to their immunocompromised status”, he added.
Dr Kuvalekar suggested vaccinating the children is important. He said, “Typhoid vaccine is important for children if the age group is applicable. Consume fresh food and cooked meals, do not consume raw and uncooked food. For elderly people, taking medicines on time is integral and controls the sugar level. Do not visit crowded areas and try avoiding it as much as possible.”
Doctors have also stated that the rise in viral infections could also cause pain in the bones. Dr Shailesh Hadgaonkar, chief Spine surgeon at Sancheti hospital said, “There is some increase in the number of patients visiting us with complaints of fever and back pain and neck pain. Basically, they are suffering from viral diseases, and they are just mimicking the back pain or neck pain. There is a four to five percent increase in such patients visiting our hospital. With rise in temperatures, it is advised to stay hydrated.”