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Cases of viral infections on the rise in Pune, doctors attribute it to weather fluctuations
In the last two weeks, doctors in the city have reported a rise in viral infection cases, especially among high-risk patients like senior citizens and children. Many patients are complaining of dry cough, cold, viral fever and vomiting. According to doctors, this is due to fluctuations in weather conditions.
Dr Samrat Shah, internal medicine expert, Apollo Spectra, Pune, said that as the season changes, there is a sudden burst of infections, especially viral infections.
“However, compared to the previous years, more patients are coming with colds, coughs, indigestion and fever this year. So, if the cold, fever and cough persist for more days, do not ignore them and consult a doctor immediately. Infectious diseases can increase if citizens are not careful during winter.’’
Dr Jagdish Kathwate, consultant neonatologist and paediatrician, Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi, said during winter time diseases are more common because infectious respiratory droplets travel more easily in dry air when a sick person coughs or sneezes.
“We have been observing six to eight cases. Additionally, individuals commonly congregate indoors during cold weather (particularly around the holidays), which makes it easier for diseases to spread from one person to another,” said Dr Kathwate.
Dr Samrat Shah, internal medicine expert, Apollo Spectra, Pune, said that as the season changes, there is a sudden burst of infections, especially viral infections.
“However, compared to the previous years, more patients are coming with colds, coughs, indigestion and fever this year. So, if the cold, fever and cough persist for more days, do not ignore them and consult a doctor immediately. Infectious diseases can increase if citizens are not careful during winter.’’
Dr Jagdish Kathwate, consultant neonatologist and paediatrician, Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi, said during winter time diseases are more common because infectious respiratory droplets travel more easily in dry air when a sick person coughs or sneezes.
“We have been observing six to eight cases. Additionally, individuals commonly congregate indoors during cold weather (particularly around the holidays), which makes it easier for diseases to spread from one person to another,” said Dr Kathwate.
“All the common respiratory viruses replicate best at a temperature between 32 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius causing mild illness that allows the patient to continue to function normally and go to school and work and interact socially with others, and therefore effectively spread the infection. Hence, many doctors from the city are reporting an increased number of patients with prolonged cough, especially in children and senior citizens,” said Dr Dole.
However, commuters have raised questions over the selection of routes saying that the PMPML has not yet conducted a survey of the routes where the double-decker buses will run.
Atul Namekar, secretary, Sinhagad road-Warje Residents’ Association, said, “The branches of trees will have to be trimmed at many places on the road. The decision was taken in a hurry in the board of directors’ meeting without studying how suitable these buses are for passengers. What’s more, it has been approved as well. In such a situation, the question arises whether double-decker buses are suitable for Punekars.”
Whereas Om Prakash Bakoria, chairman and managing director (CMD), PMPML, said, “We have inspected three double-decker bus routes and found no problems with them. The survey has not been conducted on some other routes. These routes will be inspected again and if needed, some routes will be changed.”