In boards season, virals open another battle front for students
Times of India | 8 February 2025
Kolkata: While board exams begin on Monday, scores of examinees are down with viral fever and chest infections. Doctors are being flooded with requests for certificates seeking permission to take exams in sick rooms. With temperatures fluctuating and board exams set to continue till the end of March, it could be a long and tough period for examinees.Delhi Election Results 2025Saffron surge in Delhi as BJP ends AAP's reign in landslide victoryDelhi results: Complete list of winners from AAP, BJP and CongressTop 10 winners and losers in Delhi electionsThere could be a major spurt in season change diseases by the end of Feb, predict doctors and virologists.
While Madhyamik examinations begin on Monday, ICSE class X exams start on Feb 18 and CBSE class X on Feb 15. Kolkata's minimum temperature plunged seven degrees between Thursday and Saturday. With temperatures fluctuating sharply, viruses already in circulation are set to proliferate over the next few days, warned doctors.
"Since the mercury has been oscillating sharply this time, infections have started spreading rapidly. Those between 14 and 18 years are particularly vulnerable due to their lower immunity, and they need to be careful since a chunk of this section will be taking board exams from next week. Viruses like rhinovirus, influenza, para-influenza, metapneumo, and RSV are commonly striking," said Charnock Hospital pulmonologist Soumya Sengupta.
Influenza B, para-influenza, and rhinovirus have been most common among adolescents over the last week, said Peerless Hospital microbiologist Bhaskar Narayan Chaudhury. "There has been a spurt due to the temperature fluctuations. While this is unavoidable, the sharp mercury drop over the last two days may unleash a wider range of infections. So far, infections have been viral with very few bacterial ones," said Chaudhury.
Scores of youngsters visited the OPDs at Manipal Hospitals over the last week with fever, runny nose, and severe throat pain, said infectious diseases physician Sayan Chakrabarty. "We received many youngsters with a mixed infection of a virus and a bacteria. Antibiotics are being prescribed to these patients, especially those who have board exams next week. For those with milder infections, we are sticking to symptomatic medicines. Para-influenza has been the most common this time," he added.
He recommended use of surgical masks for youngsters. "Board examinees need to stay fit for the next month. They should avoid congregations," he said.
In the past three days, BP Poddar Hospital OPD received nearly 40 students with similar symptoms, including seven who are set to appear for their boards. "We are prioritising their consultation to minimise waiting time. Additionally, students residing within a 7 km radius of our hospital are receiving medicines delivered to their homes," said Supriyo Chakrabarty, group advisor of BP Poddar.
Strong immunity accelerates recovery, and a balanced diet rich in fruits and leafy greens, staying well-hydrated, ensuring adequate sleep, and maintaining regular physical activity will help, said Rajdeep Sen, consultant physician at BP Poddar.
Kolkata: While board exams begin on Monday, scores of examinees are down with viral fever and chest infections. Doctors are being flooded with requests for certificates seeking permission to take exams in sick rooms. With temperatures fluctuating and board exams set to continue till the end of March, it could be a long and tough period for examinees. There could be a major spurt in season change diseases by the end of Feb, predict doctors and virologists.
While Madhyamik examinations begin on Monday, ICSE class X exams start on Feb 18 and CBSE class X on Feb 15. Kolkata's minimum temperature plunged seven degrees between Thursday and Saturday. With temperatures fluctuating sharply, viruses already in circulation are set to proliferate over the next few days, warned doctors.
"Since the mercury has been oscillating sharply this time, infections have started spreading rapidly. Those between 14 and 18 years are particularly vulnerable due to their lower immunity, and they need to be careful since a chunk of this section will be taking board exams from next week. Viruses like rhinovirus, influenza, para-influenza, metapneumo, and RSV are commonly striking," said Charnock Hospital pulmonologist Soumya Sengupta.
Influenza B, para-influenza, and rhinovirus have been most common among adolescents over the last week, said Peerless Hospital microbiologist Bhaskar Narayan Chaudhury. "There has been a spurt due to the temperature fluctuations. While this is unavoidable, the sharp mercury drop over the last two days may unleash a wider range of infections. So far, infections have been viral with very few bacterial ones," said Chaudhury.
Scores of youngsters visited the OPDs at Manipal Hospitals over the last week with fever, runny nose, and severe throat pain, said infectious diseases physician Sayan Chakrabarty. "We received many youngsters with a mixed infection of a virus and a bacteria. Antibiotics are being prescribed to these patients, especially those who have board exams next week. For those with milder infections, we are sticking to symptomatic medicines. Para-influenza has been the most common this time," he added.
He recommended use of surgical masks for youngsters. "Board examinees need to stay fit for the next month. They should avoid congregations," he said.
In the past three days, BP Poddar Hospital OPD received nearly 40 students with similar symptoms, including seven who are set to appear for their boards. "We are prioritising their consultation to minimise waiting time. Additionally, students residing within a 7 km radius of our hospital are receiving medicines delivered to their homes," said Supriyo Chakrabarty, group advisor of BP Poddar.
Strong immunity accelerates recovery, and a balanced diet rich in fruits and leafy greens, staying well-hydrated, ensuring adequate sleep, and maintaining regular physical activity will help, said Rajdeep Sen, consultant physician at BP Poddar.
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