Monsoons bring viral infections in Pune city

With rains, the city is experiencing a rise in viral and upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). The cases are increasing due to high humidity and chill in the air.

“In the outpatient department (OPD), 40% of the cases are to do with URTI, along with fever, and 30% cases are of amoebic dysentery,” said Dr Avinash Bhondwe, former president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Pune, and a general practitioner.

He said that the symptoms people come up with are upper respiratory infections like fever, cold and cough. In amoebic dysentery, one experiences four to five loose motions a day with pain in the abdomen and stomach. Amoebic dysentery basically happens when people consume contaminated water or food.

Dr Sharad Agarkhedkar, also a former president of IMA and a general practitioner, said, “We are also seeing adenovirus infections along with influenza cases. We are also seeing pharyngo-conjunctival fever cases where the symptoms include redness of eyes, sore throat, high grade fever, body ache and neck muscles enlargement. This can be cured, but takes at least a week.”

Dr Sanjay Lalwani, head of the paediatric department at Bharati Vidyapeeth Hospital said, “In our OPD cases, viral fever with headache and cold are reported along with gastroenteritis and that too mainly among the kids.”

While suggesting ways to avoid viral and bacterial infections during the rainy season, Agarkhedkar said, “In cases of fever or pain in abdomen, consult a doctor within 48 hours of the onset of the symptoms. In cases of influenza, get a swab test done since we have experienced H1N1 in the last two years.”

He also said, “Extra care should be taken while eating outside or avoid eating out or consuming juices that are served at the stalls. In case of fever, consume boiled water and avoid oily food.”