Patna faces 20% surge in flu cases amid cold weather and pollution: Docs

Patna: The city has witnesses nearly 20% surge in viral infections with symptoms like cough, fever, runny nose, nasal congestion, bronchitis, body ache, loss of appetite, redness of eyes and even conjunctivitis in the past two weeks with dip in temperature, even as Patna so far has managed to evade Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, which have spread in several parts of the country, say doctors.Health experts have attribute the rise in severe acute respiratory infections to the extreme cold weather, along with pollution."The number of flu cases has increased in the past two weeks in the city, with people complaining of common cold, cough, body ache, loss of appetite and nasal congestion. This is mainly because of the change in the weather and pollution," said physician Dr Diwakar Tejashwi on Friday.Former superintendent of Nalanda Medical College and Hospital, Dr Binod Singh, said every winter, the cases of flu increase; however, this year, it's even more. "People are even suffering from bronchitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia. The condition of asthma patients is further aggravating," said Dr Singh, advising people to cover themselves in three to four layers of clothing, along with cap and gloves.Mahavir Arogya Sansthan director Dr Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said they were seeing nearly a 20% surge in the viral cases. Asked about the HMPV, which also had similar symptoms, he said the cases they got have nothing to do with the latest virus scare.Health experts asked people to remain calm, saying the HMPV was not deadly and like any other viral infection, it just needed precaution. District surveillance officer Dr Ranjeet Kumar said there was nothing to panic about the HMPV in Bihar. "We, however, are ready to tackle any situation," he said. Asked if any sample was sent from Patna to test for HMPV, he said there has not been any need so far.Sources said the health department instructed the concerned officials to ensure the PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) plants, which generate medical-grade oxygen, and all other equipment in hospitals are functional. An internal group has also been formed to update the department on the matter.