Unpredictable showers drain on health in Ahmedabad

The constantly changing weather has brought with it spurt in cases of viral infection in Ahmedabad. City-based doctors opine that there is tremendous rise in such cases and blame the monsoon as well as the uncertain weather for ill-health.

Apparently, even government hospitals are witnessing a rise in number of patients who come to the outpatient department of these hospitals. Doctors warn that children and elderly are at greater risk of contracting viral infections.

Dr Laxman Taviyad, resident medical officer (RMO) of LG Hospital in the city said that earlier they used to get four to five cases of viral infection, which has recently shot up to 10 to 12.

“This is a seasonal phenomenon and is seen every monsoon. The unpredictable weather may have something to do with it, but we usually see it every monsoon,” said Dr Taviyad.

In fact, private practitioners say that unlike previous years, this time the symptoms of viral infections are last longer despite medication on time.

“There has been 100-150% rise in patients who need to be hospitalised due to the viral infections. These cases are higher than that of malaria,” said Dr Ashok Parekh, a physician. He informed that the symptoms include fever, severe cough and extreme weakness.

“Most of the time we do manage to control the fever but it takes a long time for symptoms like cough and weakness to recede. At times, it takes more than a month for these symptoms to completely disappear,” added Dr Parekh. He addresses at least 25 patients with such infections every day.

Echoing similar opinion, Dr Jinesh Shah, a physician affirmed that 40% of the patients who come to his out-patient department (OPD) suffer from viral infections. “Children and elderly are more susceptible to it. I have been seeing this trend for the last three to four years, particularly during the monsoon,” said Dr Shah. He advises to maintain hygiene and avoid eating out.