Mumbai doctors report surge in cough, cold and fever cases despite warm weather

Pedestrians brave the heat at Crawford Market near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus on Wednesday. Pic/Ashish Raje

Mumbai's hot and humid weather may have residents reaching for water bottles to beat dehydration, but doctors are reporting another seasonal surprise - a rise in cough, cold, sore throat, and fever cases despite the absence of winter chill. With Mumbaikars frequently moving between sweltering streets, crowded local trains, and heavily air-conditioned offices, experts say respiratory infections remain a concern even during the warmer months.

Doctors have reported a 15 per cent surge in cough, cold and dehydration cases compared to last year. "Over the past 10 days, nearly seven out of 10 patients aged 20 to 65 presenting at the hospital reported symptoms including cough, cold, sore throat, and dehydration," Dr Chhya Vaja, internal medicine expert at Apollo Spectra Hospital told mid-day.

Temperature fluctuation

Stating that respiratory infections were not restricted to winter alone anymore, Dr Divya Gopal, additional director of internal medicine at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, said, "People frequently move between outdoor heat and heavily air-conditioned offices, cars and homes. While these temperature changes do not directly cause viral infections, air conditioning can dry the nasal passages and throat, cause irritation and make respiratory symptoms more noticeable," she explained.

Allergic triggers

She added that Mumbai's high humidity encourages mould and dust mites, triggering allergies, nasal congestion and persistent cough. Crowded public transport and poorly ventilated indoor spaces can further facilitate the spread of respiratory viruses. "Also, dehydration caused by excessive sweating and inadequate fluid intake can further aggravate throat discomfort and fatigue."

Dehydration dangers

Dr Vimal J Pahuja, associate director, department of medicine, said extreme temperature fluctuations and dehydration were aggravating the problem. "The moist linings of the nose and throat are the body's first line of defence against pathogens. Dehydration can dry these membranes, while sudden transitions between outdoor heat and cold indoor air can aggravate irritation and existing symptoms," he said.

[popcorn number="15%" desc="Percentage increase in cough, cold, and dehydration cases compared to 2025" class="Default"]

How to stay healthy

Right: Do's
. Drink water and fluids regularly, especially outdoors
. Maintain indoor ventilation and clean AC filters
. Restrict AC temperatures to 24 to 25 degrees C
. Wash hands regularly, get adequate sleep and wear a mask in crowded places
. Seek medical advice if fever persists or breathing becomes difficult

Wrong: Don'ts
. Avoid sitting directly under strong AC airflow
. Do not move abruptly from extreme heat into excessively cold rooms
. Avoid sharing water bottles and personal items
. Do not take antibiotics without medical advice
. Never ignore persistent fever or worsening symptoms