Viral bug hits city harder,stays longer this monsoon

“The virus thrives in conditions of intermittent rain and high humidity. A good monsoon usually removes the humidity and the viral flu is replaced by water-borne diseases,but this year we have seen fewer cases of the latter type,” Dr Tanu Singhal of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital said.

Dr Singhal added that the virus strain could also be more virulent,and patients’ immunity levels low.

“I took eight days to recover from flu. The fever would return as soon as the effect of medicines wore off,” Vishal Pareek,a manager at a city hotel,said.

BMC medical officer Dr Sangeeta Doiphode said viral fevers were lasting between five and 10 days and showing noticeably different symptoms this monsoon. “Last year,the most common symptoms were high fever and a bad cough and cold. This year,they are sore throat,bodyache and sneezing,” she said.

According to data provided by the civic administration’s health department,223 cases of fever have been reported so far this monsoon. Doctors estimated a 40-45 per cent increase in the number of cases since June.

“More patients are testing for fever. The same patients are also coming for follow-up tests,which indicate that the symptoms are continuing for longer,” Dr Deepak Sanghavi of Metropolis Healthcare said. “Staying longer in closed,airconditioned environments and rapid changes in the body temperature help the spread of infections,” he said.