It is the case of the monsoon blues for Mumbaikars, with most of them suffering from throat infection and other respiratory problems. Doctors say that they are seeing more patients complaining of breathlessness, accompanied by fever and body ache.
Dr Jalil Parker, chest physician at Lilavati Hospital-Bandra said, "This is the season for respiratory infections. Most of those patients are youngsters who get wet and catch a cold. Also, pollutants come down in this season and viruses are active."
The common cold is an acute viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that affects the nose, throat, sinuses, larynx, and sometimes, the lungs. The virus finds humid conditions favourable and thrives on water droplets.
Dr Khusrav Bhajan, intensivist at PD Hinduja Hospital said, "We are getting people with bad pneumonia who require high anti-biotics in intravenous fluid form. Overcrowding in the city, change in weather and active viruses are reasons behind more people getting these infections."
Doctors say that most patients are taking 8-10 days to recover. "The cough congestion is lasting longer these days. We are getting too many people with broncho spasm, asthma bronchitis, breathlessness. Excessive humidity combined with poor sunlight is the perfect combination for viruses to thrive," said Dr Anil Ballani, physician at Lilavati Hospital.
The infections are so bad that most Mumbaikars are compelled to apply for leave from work. "Most of these patients require bed rest, a high fluid intake along with pain killers for curing body aches, unless they have some comorbid factors like diabetes, hypertension or immuno-compromised," said Dr Om Shrivastav, infectious disease expert at Jaslok Hospital.
Dr Shrivastav further added that early medical intervention will lead to a quicker recovery. "People should not delay in taking medical advice. This will ensure faster recovery," he said.
Some precautionary measures
Drink boiled water
Avoid drinking water and eating at roadside joints. If you do, avoid salads and fruits and carry boiled water from home. Eat cooked food.
Wash your hands before eating. Give your child hand sanitizers to carry to school and ensure they don't eat food from others' tiffins.
Have a healthy sleep pattern and eat nutritious food
Use clean handkerchiefs while sneezing.
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