Mumbai: The heat is on and with soaring temperatures, cases of dehydration, vomiting, gastroenteritis and heat stroke are also on the rise. Civic and state-run hospitals have recorded a 15-20 per cent spike in the number of patients being treated on outpatient department (OPD) basis.
Dr Madhukar Gaikwad, medical superintendent of St George Hospital, said there has been a marked rise in the number of patients suffering from viral fever, headache, gastroenteritis and sore throat. “For the past one week, the number of patients visiting the OPD has risen. Of the 450 people who visit the OPD, 100 to 150 complained of fever, headache and other ailments,” he said.
“There are patients whose fever has lasted more than three days, necessitating hospitalisation. The number of patients complaining of diarrhoea, and headache has gone up by 20 to 30 per cent. Fever cases have increased by 15 to 20 per cent,” Dr Gaikwad said.
Doctors say high temperatures cause people to get dehydrated, which leads to low immunity, making them vulnerable to viral fever and other illnesses. They have also urged citizens to take precautions like keeping themselves hydrated by drinking plenty of water. “People who are suffering from heart ailments, blood pressure and, diabetes should keep checking their health parameters regularly. People should drink plenty of water and keep their body hydrated,” said doctors.
Dr Om Srivastava, infectious diseases expert, also attributed the rise in viral ailments to the sudden change in temperature. Symptoms of viral fever are similar to that of dengue, malaria and swine flu — the patient suffers from severe headache, high-grade fever, abdominal pain, bodyache and vomiting for over 48-72 hours.
The usual flu medications are ineffective in dealing with this fever. “People must see a doctor immediately, as the symptoms are quite similar to those of dengue, malaria. Take medication as prescribed by the doctor, do not fall back on home remedies,” he cautioned.
