Wednesday, 06 March 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Dehradun is witnessing a spike in viral fever and upper respiratory tract infections with experts attributing this to changes in weather and fluctuation in the temperature. According to them, the combination of warm days and cool evenings has led to the spread of pathogens which has adversely impacted people’s health. Children are particularly vulnerable to viral infections due to their weaker immunity. To protect them from such infections, necessary precautions like wearing proper clothing is advised, the experts said.
Paediatrician Dr PS Rawat said that fluctuations in temperature can spread pathogens which include viruses and bacteria, leading to an increase in cases of upper respiratory tract issues and viral infections. During such periods, children are particularly susceptible to these infections due to weakened immunity caused by the temperature changes. Additionally, fluctuations in temperature can weaken proteins that protect the body, making it more vulnerable to infections. “Common ailments faced by children during seasonal changes include cold, cough and throat infections, which if ignored, can lead to pneumonia. To combat these ailments, parents are advised to ensure their children eat properly, increase water intake, maintain hygiene and wear full-sleeved clothes during weather marked by temperature fluctuations,” Rawat said.
“Dehradun is experiencing an increase in viral infections and pneumonia cases among children due to fluctuations in temperature,” pediatrician Dr Apoorva Jain said.
He said that children with viral pneumonia experience difficulty in breathing, a choked throat and vomiting. The early symptoms of pneumonia in children are a cough, cold and fever. Therefore, parents should immediately take their children to a doctor as soon as they notice these symptoms. He emphasised that even infants are susceptible to viral pneumonia. To prevent this, adults should wear a mask if they have a cold or cough as it can directly affect children. Additionally, wearing proper clothing and reducing crowding in schools can help prevent children from getting viral pneumonia, he said.
