Rain, temp swing lead to cough, fever outbreak ahead of puja
Times of India | 28 September 2024
Kolkata: Temperature fluctuations and spells of rain, punctuated by a short warm period earlier this week during which the mercury shot up to 35°C, have triggered a cough, cold and fever outbreak in the city. Even though the symptoms are moderate, a nagging cough and low fever have turned out to be irritants in the run-up to puja. Physicians and hospital OPDs have been receiving streams of such patients.
On Sept 14, Kolkata’s maximum temperature was 26.5°C, just a degree higher than the day’s minimum.
It jumped up to 34.2°C on Sept 20 and plunged to 28°C on Thursday. This sharp fluctuation has activated viruses that are now getting transmitted quickly, said doctors. “Those allergic to moisture or heat get easily affected by such temperature fluctuations. We have been receiving many with cough, chest congestion and low fever this week, which is a direct result of this see-saw mercury that has been triggering sweat,” said Charnock Hospital medicine consultant Jayanta Datta.
Persistence of moisture in the air and the prevailing dampness due to rain and cloud cover trigger viruses, according to Manipal Hospital infectious diseases physician Sayan Chakrabarty. “We have received a stream of patients with cough, fever and chest congestion this week. Children have been affected in large numbers along with those with lower immunity,” said Chakrabarty.
“Viruses thrive in such environments and the body's immune response can be weakened by abrupt temperature shifts. It is essential to maintain proper hygiene, stay hydrated and avoid exposure to sudden temperature changes to reduce the risk of viral and bacterial infections,” said Mohit Kharbanda, critical care director, Desun Hospital.
The dip in temperature has activated a range of viruses that are mainly respiratory and gastro-intestinal, according to RN Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences intensivist Sauren Panja. “While the former is leading to cough and in some cases a respiratory disorder, the latter have been causing nausea and loose motion along with fever,” said Panja.
Influenza cases are still being reported, pointed out Fortis Hospital internal medicine consultant Joydeep Ghosh. “If someone has a fever, body aches, cough and sneezing, they should take paracetamol and allergy medicine. If necessary, they should also try steam inhalation with warm water. If the fever is severe, contact a doctor. Do not take antibiotics for the flu. Over the past few years, I have observed many suffering from flu, especially during such periods of temperature fluctuations. Adults over 18 years who frequently suffer from flu or get cough and cold should get a flu vaccine once a year in winter. With vaccines, we can easily prevent recurring flu infections,” said Ghosh.