Walk-in patients with typical upper respiratory tract infections have increased; many also reporting gut-related ailments such as diarrhoea and cramps
Published Date – 8 February 2025, 09:29 PM
A woman covers her face on a hot afternoon as a blistering summer begins to set in, in Hyderabad on Saturday. Photo: Surya Sridhar
Hyderabad: Seasonal transition from winter to summer appears to have created ideal conditions for a surge in viral fevers in Hyderabad.
For the past few days, walk-in patients with typical upper respiratory tract infections have increased at private nursing homes, clinics, Basthi Dawakhanas and outpatient wings of Fever Hospital in Nallakunta, Gandhi Hospital and Osmania General Hospital.
Patients are seeking medical help with typical viral fever symptoms, including fever, sore throat, body pains (myalgia), cough and cold.
A large number of patients are also reporting gut-related ailments, including diarrhoea, cramps, fever and body pains.
Additionally, the cases of cough continue to remain stubborn and refuse to subside, even after a week’s medication.
Dr K Shankar, expert in seasonal diseases and former Superintendent of Fever Hospital, pointed out that seasonal changes can make the body vulnerable to colds and flu, as colder climate creates ideal conditions for the virus to proliferate.
“I urge the general public to keep in mind that these are seasonal infections and not fatal. But, if individuals continue to have fever or severe symptoms for more than three-four days, they should consult a doctor,” he said.
High-risk groups, including pregnant women, children and elderly with co-morbid conditions, must take precautions because if they get infected, they might take more time to recover, said Dr K Shankar.
Apart from viral infections, caregivers are also reporting a rise in allergic reactions due to the exposure to food items that are high in histamine content, such as bakery products and fast food.
When children get exposed to certain food products that have high on histamine levels, they invariably suffer from upset stomach, headache, diarrhoea, itching, low BP, rashes, swelling of lips and throat, etc.
“There is always a question over water quality, especially during shift in weather patterns, used to prepare and serve street food. Moreover, exposure to histamine due to consumption of bakery food makes schoolgoing children vulnerable. There is low awareness of allergy reactions, which could also lead to wrong diagnosis and treatment,” immunologist Dr Vyakaranam Nageswar said.
Beware of dehydration
With daytime temperatures remaining extremely high early in the year, physicians advise to look out for dehydration. During high temperatures, cases of Acute Diarrhoeal Disease (ADD), vomiting and dehydration are expected to rise. Another major factor for a possible rise in dehydration is consumption of contaminated water and stale food during hot weather conditions
How to beat it
• Always keep yourself hydrated
• Easy way to ascertain dehydration is to check urine colour
• Dark yellow is an indication of dehydration
• Maintain electrolyte balance by consuming fruits
• Reduce caffeine, alcohol intake
