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(IANS)
If you have been experiencing bouts of fever while coughing your lungs out for what seems like weeks, maybe it’s time for you to pay a visit to your healthcare provider.
Lately, the weather has been inconsistent enough to give us a whiplash. And with COVID almost out of the picture, it’s only natural that we blame the changing weather for any inexplicable illness. While the fluctuating mercury levels and rising pollution levels are definitely contributing factors, it’s primarily the flu that has been wreaking havoc on our collective health, experts opine.
Flu is uncommon in north India in the months of February and March, but trends from the last few days suggest that this year might be an exception.
Hospitals nationwide, especially in cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Indore, have been seeing a sudden influx of patients with persistent cough, trouble breathing and even fever. Doctors believe that the influenza A (H3N2) virus that has been circulating for the last 2-3 months is responsible.
The H3N2 virus generally triggers a certain reaction or inflammation in the upper airways or sometimes even in the lungs. While the fever, cough, cold, and body ache settle in 3-5 days, the dry cough persists for a few weeks.
But the severity of disease prognosis varies amongst different groups, with the elderly, children and pregnant people most vulnerable.
Patients with chronic ailments such as asthma must be more cautious during weather transitions as it can trigger severe respiratory issues and asthma attacks. During this time, even a minor respiratory problem must be reported to a pulmonologist or a physician to reduce the risk of escalating the problem.
In order to prevent catching the flu, you must be careful when venturing outside and make it a point to practise hand sanitation and even wear a mask. Getting a flu shot is highly recommended.
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