Guard against flu as changing season poseshealth risk: Docs Cough & Cold Cases Up 15% Over 30 Days

The lack of heavy rain has meant respite from waterborne diseases for many Mumbaikars, but the changing weather still poses health risks. For instance, doctors have reported a spurt in flu cases. At this time of the year, people are vulnerable to viral and bacterial ailments, and so doctors advise caution.      Nishit Jaiswal (27), an IT engineer, has not been able to go to work for four days. "Along with cough and cold, I have body pain. When I consulted my doctor, he said I had viral infection," he said.      Cases of cough and cold have increased by 15% in a month, said Dr Hemant Thacker, who consults at Jaslok and Breach Candy hospitals. "Most patients coming to us report dry cough and cold. Though there are hardly any cases of fever, cold is accompanied by severe body pain in patients. It is body ache, more than mild fever, that lays a patient low. Medication is only for symptoms. Patients feel completely fine after 7-10 days."      Doctors blame the flu spurt on changing weather. "Changing conditions like showers to sun to showers again have led to virus thriving in the city. Also, the body takes a bit of time to get used to the temperature outside," said Dr Shahid Barmare, consulting physician with Kohinoor Hospital, Kurla.      Doctors also report ailments of the lower respiratory tract. "We are seeing some cases of severe pneumonia. Often we have to put patients in ICU," said Dr Khusrav Bajan, intensivist with Hinduja Hospital.      About bacterial respiratory infections, he said, "Such patients come complaining of severe breathlessness, cough, fever, low blood pressure and high fever. Sometimes, they have to be treated with steroids. As for flu patients, 80% get better with only out-patient department (OPD) treatment."