In defense: Shield your ears from infections

City doctors report rise in ear infections among both young and adults; they advise regular handwashing, wearing masks, and using sanitisers to curb spread of viral infections

The recent shift in weather patterns has triggered a notable rise in viral infections, and it is likely exacerbated by the increased movement of people between cities. Health professionals are seeing a spike in the number of viral infection cases, and there has also been an uptick in the number of ear infections among both young and adults.

Dr NG Kanchan, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Trilife Hospital, pointed out that on average, they are seeing 25 to 30 cases of ear infections in a week, and the most common causes of ear infections are viral and bacterial infections.

The doctors have advised bringing back the concept of wearing masks for those affected by the infections so that they don’t spread from one person to another.

Dr Kanchan said, “We need to start wearing masks on a regular basis, especially when we visit crowded places, attend functions, or are visiting a gathering. Recurrent hand washing is also advised, as is the use of sanitisers and sanitising wipes. They also help with regular cleaning of surfaces where we come into constant contact with our phones, laptops, or tabletops. The bed spreads have to be repeatedly sanitised and changed. Also, we have to avoid contacts such as recurrent contact with plants, be it indoor plants or outdoor gardening, which have to be a little curtailed, especially when we have some mild symptoms of infections, such as ear infections. “

Furthermore, Dr Rajath Athreya, Senior Consultant and HOD, Paediatrics and Neonatology, Sakra World Hospital Bengaluru, said, “Viral infections often stem from respiratory viruses, with rhinovirus, adenoviruses, and influenza viruses (commonly known as the flu virus) being prevalent. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also widespread. Additionally, there are viral infections associated with gastrointestinal issues and dengue. Presently, respiratory viruses, particularly flu-like illnesses, dominate the list of common viral infections. Over the past six months, there has been a rise in reported cases of viral infections. Initially, adenovirus dominated for two months, followed by the prevalence of influenza A and B. Subsequently, there was a surge in RSV. Presently, there is a mix of various respiratory viruses being observed.”

According to Dr Athreya, children are the predominant age group being reported, and they are experiencing successful recovery primarily through outpatient care. A minor percentage necessitates hospital admission, with approximately 20–30 children presenting with respiratory viral infections and fevers on any given day. Among these cases, about half exhibit flu-like symptoms, and only 3–4 children, constituting a small proportion, require hospitalisation, with an even smaller fraction admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Dr Girish Anand, MS Consultant, ENT Surgery, Aster CMI Hospital, pointed out that the recent uptick has been observed to be due to travelling from city to city and weather change. “When a person travels to multiple cities or is an international traveller, they act as carriers of infections and one of the causes for spreading the infection. The mechanism of viral action is that once a virus enters a body, it travels along the cells of the body until it binds to the receptors on the cells and enters them to reproduce such viruses in plenty,” he said.

Key preventive measures:

• Avoid coming into close contact with infected people
• Practice hand hygiene; wash your hands frequently

• Use a mask and cover your mouth while coughing and sneezing
• Stay hydrated and drink a lot of fluids
• Get vaccinated to prevent viral infections