With sudden changes in temperatures and high levels of pollution, doctors across the country have been reporting an increase in respiratory infections over the last couple of weeks. Most patients have been reaching clinics with fever, cough, cold, sore throats and chest discomfort. While Covid-19 continues to be a cause of concern — with an increase in surveillance after the new JN.1 variant was reported — several viruses such as influenza, RSV, adenovirus, rhinovirus, and even the bacteria mycoplasma pneumoniae are in circulation together across the globe. It is this concoction of pathogens that’s making us sick this winter, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said recently.
Patients are coming in with low oxygen levels, shortness of breath and pneumonia in addition to the common symptoms of upper respiratory infections such as runny nose, sore throat, fever and cough. “Most of the patients are reporting Covid-19, influenza or H1N1 on investigation. Low temperatures and high pollution levels are further aggravating the condition of people with compromised lungs from a previous COVID-19 infection,” says Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant of internal medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.
Dr Rommel Tickoo, director of internal medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital-Saket, New Delhi, has noticed bad coughing bouts and bronchitis (airway inflammation) among his patients. “We have to prescribe inhalers or nebulisation to every other patient,” he says.
What should I do if I get a fever, cough, cold and sore throat?
If you have the symptoms, take adequate rest and do not step out of your homes. This will prevent the spread to others. While respiratory infections are self-limiting; if high fever persists for more than two days, consult a doctor.
“Most patients require only supportive care — antipyretics like paracetamol to control fever, steam inhalation, and hot, salt water gargling. There is no need for antibiotic treatment,” says Dr Navneet Arora, associate consultant, Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Paras Health, Panchkula.
Agreeing, Dr Hemlata Arora, senior consultant in Internal Medicine at Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai, says people should avoid self-prescription of antibiotics as they are unnecessary for viral infections. “Only antivirals can work. Run to the doctor if you stop responding to Paracetamol, have shortness of breath and high-grade fever,” adds Dr Arora.
Who is at a higher risk?
The old, the very young, pregnant women, and people living with co-morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, chronic heart, lung, or kidney conditions are likely to bear the brunt of it. “Most of the patients hospitalised had a history of compromised lungs,” says Dr Chatterjee.
Dr Tickoo feels that people already living with chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma and COPD, are more likely to experience severe symptoms of flu and other respiratory infections. “This is the reason they have to be more careful and get their medicines to manage the other conditions at the start of winter,” he says.
Most patients of Dr Tushar Tayal, lead consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, are 50 and above. “Their immunity is relatively poor as compared to a youngster because of which they are falling sick faster,” he says.
How to prevent an infection?
Dr Arora suggests precautions like avoiding close contact with infected persons, avoiding handshakes and wearing a mask. Dr Tickoo adds that those at high risk must don a mask whenever they are in a crowded place during flu season.
In Mumbai, a significant daily temperature variation, with recent days experiencing a temperature gap of approximately 12 degrees Celsius between day and night, and rain have provided an ideal environment for the virus to proliferate. Says Dr Vinayak Sawardekar, superintendent and head of the Medicine Unit at St George’s Hospital, Mumbai, “The sudden fluctuations in temperature mean you should avoid cold drinks and eating outside.” Dr Zafar Ahmad Iqbal, director of pulmonology, Critical Care and Sleep Studies, Fortis Hospital, Mohali adds that hydrating on the hour during an infection is essential along with a balanced diet.
Do I need to get a flu shot?
All experts agree that everyone, especially those at a high risk of complications, should get the flu shot before the onset of winter, around November and in heavy monsoon-prone areas in June. Dr Tickoo also suggests taking the pneumonia vaccine for those who are already living with some chronic respiratory condition such as COPD.
