Delhi’s fluctuating weather is sending many to the hospital, with doctors warning that viral fevers, seasonal flu, respiratory infections, and cold and cough are on the rise. The worst-hit are the children and the elderly.
“In the past week or so, Delhiites have reported a surge in various ailments with the now-hot, now-cold weather causing rampant spread of flu. The unseasonal drizzle that we have been have been getting on and off is making matters worse,” said Anil Bansal of the Delhi Medical Association (DMA).
People with heart ailments, blood pressure issues and respiratory problems are especially vulnerable.
“We are seeing a surge in upper respiratory tract infections, viral fever, and cold and cough. This, coupled with underlying medical conditions, can prove fatal. Also, the cold weather is causing the pollutants in the air to settle down, which we feel is causing a lot of respiratory irritation and infection. Doctors have been advising people to maintain high standards of hygiene to limit the spread of seasonal diseases,” noted cardiologist K.K. Aggarwal.
And though the State Health Department has been advising and warning people about the spread of swine flu, doctors assert that heart patients have to be made aware that the swine flu virus can also infect the heart and cause irreparable damage to the cardiac muscle.
“Caution, hygiene and awareness is the key,” added Dr. Aggarwal.
This year so far, Delhi has seen over 100 cases of swine flu, with the highest number coming in from East Delhi. According to a city health official, no death has been reported so far.
Last year, the air-borne disease claimed 12 lives and infected over 4,000 people in the Capital. The disease claimed 1,994 lives in India in 2015, while the total number of cases crossed the 33,000-mark across the country.
Those with heart ailments, BP issues, respiratory problems most vulnerable
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