With a changing season comes a series of viral illnesses. A significant increase in the number of patients visiting hospitals with the characteristic symptoms of viral illnesses such as fever, sore throat, cough, and general weakness. Dr. Rommel Tickoo, senior consultant, internal medicine at Max Saket said, “Almost every third patient visiting the OPD has a viral illness.”

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Normally, the fever caused by seasonal viral illnesses can become less severe in a couple of days. But many patients are complaining about the fever continuing for three to four days, said the doctor. A senior consultant at the department of chest medicine at Sir Ganga Ram hospital, Dr. Arup Basu quoted, “Multiple viruses can cause fever, sore throat and other symptoms. It is possible that this time influenza A virus, which is relatively more severe, is predominant. This may be leading to a long spell of fever in patients.”

The children, elderly and people with co-morbidities such as diabetes and heart disease should be extra careful, he added.

The viruses get transmitted either by consuming infected food or water or through the air. Normally, infections such as common cold, flu, and respiratory infection spread through the air i.e., when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The way in which you can avoid catching the infection is to maintain hand hygiene and stay away from an infected person.

Dr. R K Singhal, director of internal medicine at BLK super specialty hospital said, consult a doctor if the fever and sore throat last for more than 48 hours.

The changing season is increasing the risk of upper respiratory infection and allergy. There is wide variation in the day and the night temperature with the arrival of winter, which is most suitable for bacterial growth and transmission of viral infection. In the doctor’s statement, “Air pollution, which is on the rise in the city, makes the symptoms of viral illnesses worse and recovery even longer.”

Delhi is set to host a marathon run next week. The participants should check the weather forecast and prepare themselves accordingly, advised doctors, “If pollution level is significantly high, those with pre-existing respiratory illnesses may need to reconsider running for long.”

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