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Cases of viral infections are on the rise in cities like Mumbai and Pune due to heavy rains. Viral upper respiratory tract infections become common during monsoon due to the change in weather and they manifest themselves in the form of common cold, sinusitis with runny nose, sore throat, headache and body ache, which require symptomatic treatment, explains Dr Divya Gopal, Internal Medicine at Sir HN Reliance Hospital and Research Centre.
In Pune, Dr Murarji Ghadge, consultant ENT and sleep disorder specialist at Ruby Hall Clinic, said he is seeing a significant increase in the number of patients coming in with symptoms such as sore throat and persistent cough. “The monsoon’s characteristic humidity and temperature fluctuations make it easier for viruses and bacteria to spread and thrive. Stagnant water on roads and residential areas further aggravates the problem by providing breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria,” he explains.
‘Beware of water-borne infections’
Contaminated and dirty water during monsoon brings with it waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, gastroenteritis and diarrhoea. The cool, moist conditions caused by rain can promote the growth of mold and mildew, causing respiratory problems and throat irritation. This can lead to cases of asthma, pneumonia and bronchitis. Another factor is the frequent change between cold and wet weather to hot and humid conditions, which weakens the immune system, making people more vulnerable to infections.
Younger and older people in the community, especially those with comorbidities, are more likely to develop influenza, which typically manifests as high-grade fever that can reach 103°F, requiring antiviral and supportive treatment.
‘Take preventive measures to stay safe’
To deal with these problems, it is important to adopt preventive measures. Dr. Gopal suggests that we should focus on hygiene measures, washing hands, eating nutritiously, staying hydrated and avoiding crowded places when we are sick to prevent the spread of diseases.
Dr. Ghadge says that using hand sanitizer and avoiding close contact with sick people can greatly reduce the risk of infection. Also, you should keep your living space dry and ventilated by using humidifiers and air purifiers when needed. This can reduce the chances of exposure to allergens and pollutants.
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