Weather shifts lead to spike in respiratory ailments

Hyderabad: Fluctuating weather is causing a surge in cases of flu, fever, allergies, and infections in the city, according to doctors. While such ailments were once prevalent during the monsoon, doctors note that constant temperature changes have made them common year-round.
"Unseasonal rain has contributed to an increase in bacterial infections and allergies, with cold and cough spreading faster. Bacteria and other organisms multiply rapidly during warmer daytime temperatures and weaken immune systems during colder nights," said Dr Neha Ajani, a physician.
Children and seniors over 60 are the most affected.
"We have started to notice an increase in the number of outpatient and inpatient departments of both upper and lower respiratory tract infections. The most common viruses affecting children are RSV virus and Metapneumovirus. The adult age group is mostly affected by Mycoplasma pneumoniae and influenza," said Dr Hari Kishan Gonuguntla, a pulmonologist.
He further said, "I urge educating the public on the importance of vaccinations, avoiding the misuse of antibiotics in viral infections, isolating patients at home to prevent the spreading of the virus, and seeking medical help when symptoms persist for a longer time."