Temp fluctuation triggers viral infections, exhaustion

Kolkata: A sudden and sharp temperature rise over the last three days has triggered a spate of viral infections, with several hospitals receiving patients suffering from heat fatigue and exhaustion on Wednesday and Thursday. Scores have sought treatment at hospitals with influenza A, B and para-influenza. Some hospitals have also reported diarrhoea cases.While March was relatively cool due to successive thunderstorms, the mercury has been climbing up since Wednesday. At Peerless Hospital, around 15 patients have tested positive for influenza B and para-influenza. "There has been a sudden spurt, largely due to temperature fluctuation. We also got a few viral diarrhoea cases," said Peerless chief microbiologist Bhaskar Narayan Chaudhury.At Charnock Hospital, several patients are being treated at the OPD with symptoms of influenza A and para-influenza. "Most have upper or lower respiratory tract infections. Not guarding against temperature fluctuations and drinking cool water or drinks are triggering the infections. Cases have been mild so far," said Charnock Hospital pulmonologist Soumya Sengupta. In the past week, an average of 15 patients have been visiting the OPD with similar symptoms, according to Supriyo Chakraborty, group advisor of BP Poddar Hospital. At Manipal Hospitals, five-seven patients are being treated daily at the OPD with influenza A and B symptoms. Elderly individuals with shortness of breath are being admitted, said Avijit Bhattacharya, consultant, internal medicine, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria. "As the mercury rises, there is fluctuation of ambient temperature. Often this helps in transmission and proliferation of common viruses. People with low immunity are prone to viral infections, specifically those above 65, diabetics, cancer patients and those on steroids," he said. There has been a noticeable increase in patients with fever, sore throat, body ache, fatigue, and mild respiratory distress at ILS Hospitals. "Weather transitions often weaken the body's natural immunity, making people more susceptible to viral illnesses," said Sarbajit Ray, consultant physician, ILS Hospitals, Salt Lake.Sudden temperature fluctuations and rising ambient heat are creating a conducive environment for viral replication and transmission, said CK Birla Hospital-CMRI internal medicine consultant Anirban Chattopadhyay. The hospital OPD has been flooded with influenza A and B patients. "Though most are being treated at the OPD and are recovering, some have got pneumonia and needed admission," he said.At present, emphasis must be on early symptom recognition, adequate hydration, maintaining hand hygiene and avoiding unnecessary exposure to high-risk environments, said BP Poddar Hospital consultant physician Rajdip Sen.