Temp flip-flop triggers spurt in cough-fever cases across city
Times of India | 9 May 2025
12 Kolkata: Temperature fluctuations over the last week have triggered yet another cough-and-fever epidemic in Kolkata, with thousands suffering from a nagging cough and some experiencing breathing distress.The symptoms are generally mild but the cough is persisting longer, said doctors. For most patients, it started with a runny nose and then turned into chest congestion, leading to cough and fever.While the last week of April was relatively cool due to successive thunderstorms, the mercury climbed up in May, and the city is experiencing a scorching spell this week. Such temperature fluctuations trigger viruses like rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza viruses.Those vulnerable to cold, including children and the elderly, were affected, said internal medicine consultant Arindam Biswas. "Most were struck by allergies, viruses, and some got bacterial infections. This happens with temperature fluctuation as people start moving in and out of AC rooms. It takes the body some time to get acclimatised to the changed temperature, and this is the period when viruses and allergies strike. So, switch off the AC a little before you go out into the sun to prevent a sudden temperature fluctuation," said Biswas. He said paracetamol and anti-allergic drugs may be used if needed. Rhinovirus and adenovirus were detected over the last month, said Peerless Hospital microbiologist Bhaskar Narayan Chaudhury. "Adenovirus was detected mostly in children, while rhino affected adults. But since very few get tested for viruses, they remain undetected," he added.Change in weather helps spread respiratory viruses, causing a spurt in cold-and-cough infections during this time, said ILS Hospitals consultant physician Pinaki De. "Viral respiratory infections may be followed by secondary bacterial infection after a gap of a few days, which is called double infection, and may lead to a lingering cough. Without definite suspicion, antibiotic use is not going to help and must be discouraged. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination is helpful, especially for the vulnerable population like the elderly, the diabetic, persons with chronic respiratory ailments, cancer survivors, and those with kidney or liver disease," said De.Most patients have suffered from upper or lower respiratory tract infections so far, said Charnock Hospital pulmonologist Soumya Sengupta. "Not guarding against temperature fluctuations, and drinking cool water or drinks are triggering the infections. Cases have been mild so far, unlike last year, when we saw a major spurt in influenza. But this is just the beginning of summer, and if the mercury fluctuations persist, there could be a virus spread. Most patients have had cough and throat pain," Sengupta said.There was a rise in cases of fever accompanied by flu-like and abdominal symptoms, largely triggered by ongoing temperature fluctuations, said Mohit Kharbanda, senior director — critical care & internal medicine, Desun Hospital. "Most of these cases can be managed at home with hydration and medication. But it is important to consult a doctor to differentiate between a co-mmon viral fever and a serious condition, like typhoid, wh-ich requires timely diagnosis and treatment." He said antibiotics were not necessary unless the patient showed symptoms of a bacterial infection.Kolkata: Temperature fluctuations over the last week have triggered yet another cough-and-fever epidemic in Kolkata, with thousands suffering from a nagging cough and some experiencing breathing distress. The symptoms are generally mild but the cough is persisting longer, said doctors. For most patients, it started with a runny nose and then turned into chest congestion, leading to cough and fever.While the last week of April was relatively cool due to successive thunderstorms, the mercury climbed up in May, and the city is experiencing a scorching spell this week. Such temperature fluctuations trigger viruses like rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza viruses.Those vulnerable to cold, including children and the elderly, were affected, said internal medicine consultant Arindam Biswas. "Most were struck by allergies, viruses, and some got bacterial infections. This happens with temperature fluctuation as people start moving in and out of AC rooms. It takes the body some time to get acclimatised to the changed temperature, and this is the period when viruses and allergies strike. So, switch off the AC a little before you go out into the sun to prevent a sudden temperature fluctuation," said Biswas. He said paracetamol and anti-allergic drugs may be used if needed. Rhinovirus and adenovirus were detected over the last month, said Peerless Hospital microbiologist Bhaskar Narayan Chaudhury. "Adenovirus was detected mostly in children, while rhino affected adults. But since very few get tested for viruses, they remain undetected," he added.Change in weather helps spread respiratory viruses, causing a spurt in cold-and-cough infections during this time, said ILS Hospitals consultant physician Pinaki De. "Viral respiratory infections may be followed by secondary bacterial infection after a gap of a few days, which is called double infection, and may lead to a lingering cough. Without definite suspicion, antibiotic use is not going to help and must be discouraged. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination is helpful, especially for the vulnerable population like the elderly, the diabetic, persons with chronic respiratory ailments, cancer survivors, and those with kidney or liver disease," said De.Most patients have suffered from upper or lower respiratory tract infections so far, said Charnock Hospital pulmonologist Soumya Sengupta. "Not guarding against temperature fluctuations, and drinking cool water or drinks are triggering the infections. Cases have been mild so far, unlike last year, when we saw a major spurt in influenza. But this is just the beginning of summer, and if the mercury fluctuations persist, there could be a virus spread. Most patients have had cough and throat pain," Sengupta said.There was a rise in cases of fever accompanied by flu-like and abdominal symptoms, largely triggered by ongoing temperature fluctuations, said Mohit Kharbanda, senior director — critical care & internal medicine, Desun Hospital. "Most of these cases can be managed at home with hydration and medication. But it is important to consult a doctor to differentiate between a co-mmon viral fever and a serious condition, like typhoid, wh-ich requires timely diagnosis and treatment." He said antibiotics were not necessary unless the patient showed symptoms of a bacterial infection.