Viral infection sweeps Vadodara

Drop in temperature at night, dust-laden garba grounds and pollution to blame

Devanshi Joshi. Vadodara/DNA

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Vadodara is now in the grip of common cold, thanks to the prevailing weather conditions in the city for the past few weeks. And with Diwali just round the corner, city doctors also warn people of more of such infections during the festival period. Sore throats, viral fever, cough and common cold are common complaints that doctors are receiving from people.“The drop in the temperature at nights, dust-laden garba grounds and pollution due to traffic jams are all conditions that can cause common cold and throat infections. Those susceptible to allergic reactions should take special care to avoid such conditions,” say doctors.For the past 10 days, general practitioners and pediatricians in the city are reporting a rise in the number of patients coming in with symptoms of cough and cold. City chemists too have reported an increase in the number of people seeking medication for common cold and sore throats. The erratic weather condition of last week, when rains led to increase in humidity coupled with heat, might have led to the increase in the infection, say doctors. Common cold can result either due to viral infection or due to allergic reaction to the humid weather. Says Dr Nitin Shah, a general practitioners: “Many of these infections continue for seven days. However, antibiotics are not required in most cases. Sometimes such infections can lead to bacterial infections due to lowered resistance power. But such secondary infections are rare and take place only when immunity levels become too weak.” “Children are more prone to infections. In the past 15 days, the city has witnessed cloudy skies alternating with bright sunlight. The contrasting weather condition is the main reason for infection,” says city-based pediatrician Dr Rajiv Kodnani. “If a patient shows a particular trend and regularity in infections during certain weather conditions, then it can be assumed that his problem is caused due to allergy,” he added.ENT specialists in the city also warn of ear infections due to common cold. “Sometimes congestion can choke the ear tract and lead to infections. In case of intense pain in the ear, an ENT specialist should be consulted,” said Dr Viral Rathore, an ENT specialist.