Cold is back and so are diseases

Bhubaneswar: The return of cold wave after a spell of rain and the prevailing inclement weather have led to outbreak of diseases. Cough, cold, respiratory diseases and bronchitis are affecting a large number people.
Many are also suffering from ailments like asthma, body ache, joint and muscle pain and skin diseases. Doctors said precautions like avoiding exposure to cold, maintaining personal hygiene and keeping distance from affected persons can keep people away from diseases.
“Influenza is a winter disease and people generally suffer from common cold, running nose, sore throat and cough in this season. With the drop in temperature, viruses get active in the atmosphere as a result more people, especially children, elders and those with history of asthma and chronic diseases, fall sick,” said Dr C B K Mohanty, director of medical education and training (DMET).
Several parts of the state experienced rain and thundershowers for the last few days with bone-chilling wind making a comeback. Both day and night temperature has dropped significantly. The Met office forecast cold wave conditions will prevail in coastal and interior districts for some more days.
On Sunday, Koraput and Sundargarh recorded 10 degree Celsius, the lowest minimum temperature in the state, while the minimum temperature in Bhubaneswar was 15 degree Celsius, an IMD source said. The state witnessed a sudden fall of temperature. “Due to this, cold and cough affected my child. Children are going to school, getting exposed to cold wind and are falling sick. It has become a big problem as final exams are starting from tomorrow (Monday),” said Shrabani Mishra, mother of a 10-year-old son. Doctors also advised eating of healthy food.
Children with low immunity generally fall ill during winter. “Apart from common cold, fever and cough, many kids also complain of tonsil infection due to exposure to cold wind and by taking cold drinks and ice cream in this season. Kids also get stomach flu in winter and complain about abdominal pain, diarrhoea, excessive flatulence, vomiting and fever,” said senior paediatrician Dr S S Mohapatra. Hospitals across the city said the number of patients complaining flu-like symptoms has increased in the last one week.
“Winter is the season of flu and bad weather aggravates it to serious conditions. Besides, this is the season when cases of swine flu and pneumonia are reported,” said Dr Dhananjay Das, deputy superintendent of Capital Hospital here.
The weather condition is hazardous for people with history of asthma and respiratory diseases. Doctors advised patients not to take them lightly and avoid self-medication.
“Many people take common cold very lightly and take medicine of their own. Parents must ensure their children cover ear, nose and neck when they are going out,” said Dr Swarupananda Mishra, ENT specialist.