As the weather changes, doctors are advising people to take extra care of their health. With the shift in weather, there is an increase in patients suffering from viral infections. Symptoms such as high fever, body aches, cough and colds are the most common and most visible. Viral infections can spread rapidly, even when a heathy individual comes into contact with an infected person. A significant number of suspected dengue patients are also being admitted to hospitals across Delhi. If not treated in a timely manner, dengue can sometimes lead to serious complications.

In a conversation with News18, Dr. Amitesh Agarwal, Head of the Medicine Unit at GTB Hospital, Delhi, shared advice on how to avoid viral fever and cold, as well as precautions to take.

Dr. Agarwal explained that weather follows a sequence in which summer leads to rain, rain leads to winter and then back to summer. Our bodies need time to adapt to these seasonal changes. The onset of a new season can be detrimental to health due to the weakened immunity. In such situations, viruses and bacteria find it easier to attack, resulting in viral fever, cold, and sore throat. If viral symptoms do not resolve within 2-4 days, it is important to consult doctors immediately.

Why is the cough taking longer to heal?

Many patients are struggling with a persistent cough following a viral infection, particularly with post-viral sputum. A severe cough and mild fever often persist 4-5 days after the viral fever has subsided. According to Dr Agarwal, post-viral coughs can linger even after a cold or flu infection due to irritation in the upper respiratory system.

How To Identify Post-Viral Cough

The expert notes that cough is often less severe in the morning and tends to worsen as the day progresses. Other symptoms may include headache, watery eyes, burning sensation and a feeling of heat. Post-viral cough can last anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks. If a cough persists for an extended period, it is essential to get it checked by a doctor.

Medicines to avoid without doctor’s prescription

Expert warn against self-medicating with all three categories of medicines — aspirin, diclofenac and ibuprofen. These non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used as painkillers, but they can be dangerous if taken without medical supervision. Aspirin, in particular, is often used to thin the blood and it rapidly reduces platelet count. This can be especially harmful in cases of dengue, where platelet level is already low.

Many, people habitually purchase medicines from pharmacies without consulting a doctor for fever or body pain. However, Delhi’s Drug Control Department has instructed pharmacy operators not to sell these painkillers without a doctor’s prescription and to maintain proper records.

Precautions To Take

• Drink only boiled or RO water.
• Avoid consuming stale or junk food.
• Eat balanced and nutritious food.
• Keep the home and surroundings clean.
• Ensure there is no stagnant water around your home, including in coolers and refrigerators.