The cold wave that has swept through the city and the recurring rain have seen a jump in cold and flu cases

Frigid temperatures bring in ailments

The cold wave that has swept through the city and the recurring rain have seen a jump in cold and flu cases

A lot of people around the city have been digging into their wardrobe to pull out the winter woollies as temperatures drop and winter arrives.

No kidding: Doctors across the city have reported an increase in number
of cold and flu case among children. Representation pic

Temperatures have been getting as low as 15 degrees Celsius at night and with the increase in pollen in the air many doctors are reporting higher cases of cold and flu patients since the start of November.

Purna, Director, Apollo Clinic, Koramangala, said this is a particularly unique phenomenon in Bangalore with the cooler weather and natural surrounds.

"We have seen a five per cent increase in patients coming in since the first week of November with cold and flu symptoms," she said. "In the winter and after rains, we deal with a lot more of these types of cases. It is primarily children that are affected by the drop in weather."

Doctors at the Apollo Clinic noticed that the increase in cases among children this week and brought it to the attention of the clinic director.

Dr S K Sharma, a general practitioner in PAI Layout, said that his establishment had seen a 20-30 per cent jump in such cases since the start of November.

"Rains and the drop in temperature are the right combination for such illnesses to become more pronounced, he said. "I have had many more people coming in with symptoms such as cold, cough and fever," he said. "It has actually been very noticeable this year."

Dr Varajenu from the Nandini Children's Clinic said that his levels have stayed the same, but the clinic remains ready for the possibility of an increase in cases.

The 'flu season' occurs every year at about the same time when cooler weather causes infections to peak, despite people being susceptible all year round.

Dieticians recommend following a healthy, vitamin-rich diet to help stave off infection, as well as taking other sensible precautions. Common cold is the most frequent infectious disease.

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