Weather to blame for viral fevers

Hyderabad: People in the city are suffering from viral fevers. This is because the strong wind currents and breeze are easily spreading the virus. Children and adults are complaining of very high fever, cough and cold lasting for at least three to four days.

General physicians are treating close to 100 patients every day. The Fever Hospital too is witnessing an increase in the number of cases from 700 to over 1,000 patients per day in the out-patient department. In children’s hospitals around the city, the number of patients is as high as 200 a day.

Paediatrician Dr Faisal Hadhi of Rainbow Hospital said, “Most of the children are coming in with symptoms of very high fever for the first two days. The fever is followed by severe cold and cough. It should be ensured that patients are not exposed to the breezy weather. Sufficient rest and home-cooked food will help then recover faster.”

Schools across the city are witnessing a large number of absentees due to the viral fevers. At least five children in a class of 30 students are absent very day. Namita Yadav, a counsellor at a school in Bowenpally, said, “Working parents have very few options. Once the fever subsides, the children are sent to school by their parents. But some of them still suffer from severe cold and there is a chance of them spreading the infection. We have to cope and teach the children to cover their faces while sneezing."