BHUBANESWAR: With a sudden dip in temperature, outpatient departments (OPD) in city hospitals are witnessing a rise in footfall with complaints of common cold, influenza, cough and sore throat.
Doctors said though there is not much spike in winter ailments so far, carelessness may turn fatal if coupled with Covid-19 virus. Doctors advised use of masks, hand hygiene and following social distancing, which they say will be effective in keeping common winter ailments at bay as well.
“In the last few months when coronavirus was at its peak in the state, patients’ footfall in OPD went down to as low as 500 per day against 3000/day during the normal period. In the month of November, we are seeing around 1500 patients visiting OPDs per day. This is mainly because Covid cases have gone down and people are feeling safe to come to the hospital,” said Dr Dhananjay Das, deputy superintendent of Capital Hospital.
He added that many are coming with previous ailments, treatment of which they had put on hold owing to surge in Covid-19 cases.
“Temperature has started falling for the last few days and though winter-related ailments are yet to pick up, respiratory viruses thrive in cold conditions and flu-like symptoms are likely to go up in the coming days,” Das said.
Experts have warned that the spread of seasonal flu and Covid-19 in the winter months may bring challenges as both the diseases have similar symptoms.
“So far there has not been a major spike in influenza cases, but this is the season when the disease strikes generally. However, this year people have been taking precautions for Covid-19, which may help them in fighting the seasonal diseases as well. But we have not seen how Covid-19 will act in cold weather so it is always advisable to continue with all precautionary measures,” said Dr Tanmaya Sahoo, medicine specialist at AMRI Hospitals here.
Doctors also cautioned people suffering from ailments like chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), asthma, bronchitis and arthritis as they are likely to aggravate due to cold weather conditions and increase in humidity level.
“I have been taking extra care of my health amid the pandemic as I have asthma and COPD. In winter, my condition worsens and with the scare of Covid-19, I am really worried this time around,” said Nalini Prabha Das, a 65-year-old woman.
Besides winter, people should also be careful regarding the festivals and wedding season, doctors said.
“As we have been taking extra care of children and elders to keep them safe from Covid-10, we have to do the same during the winter as they are more prone to catch cough and cold during this time,” said Dr S S Mohapatra, senior paediatrician.