Cough and cold outbreak in Kolkata: Thousands suffer with sore throat, temporary loss of voice
Times of India | 30 January 2025
KOLKATA: A cough and cold outbreak left thousands of Kolkatans with a sore throat, including many who suffered a temporary loss of voice. The latter suffered from a persistent cold that lasted three to four weeks despite medication, eventually leading to a hoarse voice that finally choked, say doctors and patients.
While the loss of voice was scary for patients, the duration of cough and cold infections and their symptoms refusing to recede despite medicines was also worrying, according to doctors. The symptoms were common to begin with—cough and cold accompanied by low fever—but they refused to recede within a reasonable time this season. With the mercury sliding up and down over the last fortnight, there were chilly periods punctuated by relatively higher temperature days, fueling a spurt of viruses, said doctors.
“Most of these are not common cold but have progressed into sinusitis, laryngitis, or pharyngitis, which affect the airways. Once this happens, it takes time for the symptoms to cure, and in many cases, patients’ voices are choking. This can be prevented by checking the progress of the infection at the initial stage through anti-allergic drugs and nasal sprays. Once it has progressed, remission is taking time despite the use of anti-allergics and antibiotics,” said Charnock Hospital pulmonologist Soumya Sengupta.
The temperature fluctuation activated viruses like rhinovirus, metapneumo virus, and respiratory syncytial that strike routinely with every temperature fluctuation, said RN Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences (RTIICS) intensivist Sauren Panja. “These viruses have been triggering upper respiratory tract infections with cough and fever as the symptoms. Infection in the respiratory tract triggers swelling in the airway passage, a condition known as laryngopharyngitis that often results in a loss of voice or hoarseness of voice,” explained Panja.
A large number of youngsters were affected. With board exams due to commence in less than two weeks, parents—many of whom are suffering from a similar infection—are worried about their children. The principal symptoms are a persistent and obstinate cough, chest congestion, and low fever. But the most standout symptom of the outbreak has been a choked voice that has made hundreds panic and scurry to doctors. The outbreak could continue for a fortnight more till the mercury settles down, say doctors.
Calcutta University MA student Chithi Bandopadhyay was on antibiotics for a choked voice and severe cough since New Year's Eve. “I have had a cold since Jan 1 and three days ago my voice choked completely,” said the 21-year-old who also has fever. Two others in the family have similar symptoms. Techie Souvik Basu was left with a choked voice following a severe cough infection that he got after a night-long New Year's Eve party. “It was scary and I can barely speak even now,” said Basu.
Panja added that those with COPD or asthma could now be severely affected by the rise in pollution triggered by the temperature drop. Pollutants keep circulating at lower levels for a longer period in winter and can easily infiltrate the lungs. “It will now get worse,” said Panja. Doctors said that respiratory viruses will now take over even as dengue and malaria cases drop. Most have been suffering exacerbations triggered by allergens that infiltrate lungs with pollutants, according to Peerless Hospital microbiologist Bhaskar Narayan Chowdhury. “Those with an existing lung condition or airway disease have been suffering,” said Chowdhury.
Children, too, have been affected by viruses, though most have been moderate infections and recovery has been quick so far. “Very young children have been affected as well, though teenagers are more prone to infection since they go out of home more often. The symptoms are similar to adults and upper respiratory tract infection has been the trigger,” said paediatrician Shantanu Ray. Antibiotics shouldn’t be taken unless they have been prescribed, said doctors. “Anti-allergic drugs and symptomatic medicines, along with gargle, should suffice. Cold water and ice should be avoided to keep the infection away,” added Ray.