Chennaites beware of viral fever, dengue and typhoid
Posted on: 25/Oct/2014 3:12:10 PM
The northeast monsoon has brought not only water but also severe viral fever that is symptomatic of various types of infections caused by viruses that flourish in the rainy season.
Doctors have reported a sudden surge in the number of cases of viral fever in both children and adults. In the past week, smaller hospitals, clinics and doctors with private practices have treated up to 10 patients daily for high fever accompanied headache and shivering.
The fever can reach close to 105ºF and does not subside even after three days.
Medical experts say most viral infections are either air-borne or pass on through the intake of contaminated food or water. Once the virus enters the body , it may take days or weeks for symptoms to manifest as it multiplies to a level that causes infection.
There are many ways to prevent viral infections. Doctors advice people to drink boiled water, eat freshly cooked food and frequently wash their hands to prevent contracting viral infections.One should avoid crowded places. If you sit in an air conditioned room at office all day, open the windows for some time because moisture in air conditioned rooms allows viruses to multiply.
But viral fever is just one of many monsoon diseases. Doctors warn of upper respiratory infections and pneumonia in this season. An increase in breeding of mosquitoes also leads to a spike in cases of dengue and malaria. There is usually an increase in water-borne diseases like typhoid, hepatitis and jaundice during the monsoon, doctors say .
