Aug 10 — There has been a spurt in the incidence of viral infections in city hospitals, government dispensaries, nursing homes and clinics during the past two weeks. A visit to some hospitals and dispensaries revealed that a large number of patients are reporting with symptoms of high-grade fever, nasal discharge, sore throat, head aches, back aches and nausea. The prevailing hot and humid conditions are responsible for the number of patients almost doubling up in the last one week. Majority of the patients reporting to the general OPD are having viral fever.
According to a senior medical officer in the Sector 16 General Hospital, nearly 40-50 patients with viral fever are reporting every day in the OPD. The most common form is viral pyrexia. Even when the fever comes down, irritating dry cough remains for 10-15 days. In cases where infection persists beyond 15 days, it leads to pneumonia, viral encaplitus ( infection in the brain). However, these cases have not been reported so far. The spread of viral fever is seasonal as sultry weather leads to the growth of virus which causes these infections.
A private medical practitioner maintains that the high-grade fever may last up to five days and subsides on its own. However, one should immediately start cold sponging and take paracetamol for relief. In case high fever persists, and the patient feels disoriented, it is advisable to admit him to a hospital for proper treatment.
Dr G. Dewan, Deputy Medical Superintendent, Sector 16 General Hospital, said that the treatment for viral fever is symptomatic and patients simply require observation. “ We should avoid treating the patient with aspirin as the patient could also be suffering from dengue. Intake of aspirin in such cases can be very harmful as it increases bleeding and further reduces the platelet count,” he added. Patients should be given simple anti-allergic with paracetamol. Vitamin C is also useful as it increases body resistance. One should take plenty of fluids to maintain adequate hydration.
Doctors advise against self medication as this could give rise to other serious infections. Though there are no preventive measures, doctors do advocate personal hygiene and clean environment. The number of reported cases of these infections is more from among those residing in villages and slums surrounding the city, compared to those residing in urban areas. Doctors advise patients to take the anti-biotics on the recommendation of a specialist and also get themselves investigated for malarial parasite.
Cases of malaria are also being reported in routine in various hospitals and clinics. Those having fever should get the laboratory test done for malaria. Doctors say that shivering accompanied by fever may not necessarily be malaria. Nor should it be inferred that if there is no shivering it may not be malaria.
