Viral attack: Kids take exams from sickbay in Kolkata

KOLKATA: Influenza is playing havoc with students writing examinations this season. In addition to the swine flu threat, allergy, common viral infection and a rising number of chickenpox cases have put parents, schools and doctors on alert. On an average, 60% hospital beds are now being occupied by patients with viral infections that include respiratory tract illness, pneumonia and swine flu.

“My daughter was down with fever and cough only a week ahead of her Class-X board examinations. Our worries were over when H1N1 was ruled out and her condition improved with medication. Luckily, she could take her exams,” said Manju Das, mother of a CBSE board examinee.



Doctors said that temperature fluctuation and pollution are the main triggers. Since H1N1 spreads through droplets, experts said hygiene could play a vital role in checking the menace.

“This is also the ideal time when the chickenpox virus circulates and proliferates. Though majority of chickenpox cases require no treatment, it could also lead to viral encephalitis if the symptoms are severe. If the patients have co-morbid condition, proper medication is needed to reduce the risk of complexities caused by chicken pox,” said Dr Arindam Biswas, medicine consultant at R N Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences.

Doctors said currently six out of 10 patients visiting them with fever and cold have influenza. While mild cough and cold should not be a reason to worry, if the symptoms persist, it’s better to consult a doctor, they said. “If the symptoms are severe, stubborn and are persisting for more than two to three days, the cause should get investigated without further delay for influenza A and B. Even if infected, one should not press the panic button unless the infected has co-morbid conditions” said Dr Susruta Bandyopadhyay, critical care expert at AMRI Salt Lake.

Kids are more susceptible due to immature immunity. The infection can spread fast among them as they tend to be in the close proximity with others whether in the classroom or the playground.

Among viral pneumonia, doctors are also getting cases of adenovirus in children. “Adenovirus can be notorious in terms of morbidity and mortality. In fact, we lost two kids to the infection in the past two weeks,” said Dr Prabhas Prasun Giri, intensivist at Institute of Child Health. Due to the rising number of viral infection cases, there is also a crisis of influenza vaccine at the moment.