The late revival of monsoons might have brought cheer to all, but it has also caused a spurt in cases of viral fevers, especially upper respiratory tract infections in large numbers in the capital. While viral fevers are not of fatal nature, they definitely have impact on the productivity as patients are rendered ‘out of action’ for at least three to four days and sometimes even for a week.
Children are especially prone when the temperatures dip and the weather is congenial to trigger asthma attacks or upper respiratory tract infections, which manifest in the form of cold, cough and high fever. Needless to say, paediatric wings of the government hospitals and even private clinics and nursing homes are witnessing a sharp spurt in cases of children with viral fevers. “Children do get exposed to the present weather conditions while in school or outside playing in the grounds. Taking precautions like flu shots and wearing protective clothing is the best way of protection. One should not forget that viral fevers are self-contained and children do respond to medication,” says Associate Professor-Paediatrics, Gandhi Hospital, Dr. M. V. Murali.
The outpatient facilities at Fever Hospital, Gandhi and OGH have witnessed a spurt in cases of viral fevers. The outpatient numbers are touching 1,200 mark on a daily basis. Owners of private clinics and nursing homes too report a spurt in cases.
“The problem with viral ailments is that they are tough to avoid. A lot depends on personal hygiene, access to safe drinking water and clean environs to avoid such seasonal ailments. One must also be cautious, while consuming street food, which is abundant in Hyderabad,” says senior general physician Dr. B. Balraju.
