Worsen air cold spell blamed: Viral flu and respiratory diseases increase nationwide
Reza Mahmud :
Due to the winter season, the prevalence of viral flu and respiratory diseases has increased across the country especially in city areas, sources said.
Patients suffering from seasonal influenza, common cold and cough, and RSV-related respiratory infections have risen.
In addition, cases of bronchitis and asthma are also present. If timely treatment is not ensured, these illnesses can progress to pneumonia.
Elderly people, children, and immunocompromised individuals (those with weakened immune systems) are suffering the most from various winter-related viral infections.
During winter, low temperatures, fog, air pollution, and movement in densely populated city areas help viruses spread rapidly.
Especially in the capital Dhaka and other major cities, hospital outpatient departments have been facing heavy pressure from patients complaining of fever, cough, breathing difficulties, and body aches since the onset of winter.
From November 1 to December 30, a total of 28,524 people across the country were hospitalized due to cold-related respiratory infections. The patient load in hospitals is increasing day by day.
Public health experts said worsening air quality with multiple viruses become active during the cold spell.
When contacted, eminent public health expert Dr. Lenin Chowdhury told The New Nation, “When a person’s immune system weakens in winter, these viruses become active in the body. With timely treatment, patients can recover in a short time with minimal medication.”
He said, keeping the body well covered with warm clothing, bathing in warm water, and consuming warm water and hot foods during winter can reduce the risk of viral infections.
Besides respiratory illnesses, diarrhea is also common in winter. Norovirus and rotavirus are the main causes of winter diarrhea. Diarrhea caused by these two viruses often leads to dehydration.
The public health expert warned that neglecting winter flu can eventually increase the risk of pneumonia, bronchitis, or asthma. In elderly and diabetic patients, winter flu can lead to more severe complications.
Those who start having a runny nose as soon as winter arrives and continue to suffer throughout the season are advised to take the flu vaccine.
The vaccine provides very good results. Even if mild cold symptoms occur after vaccination, it prevents severe illness and reduces the need for hospitalization.
Experts advised seeking immediate hospital care if fever lasts more than three days, breathing becomes difficult, children are unable to eat or drink, or if there is a sudden change in behavior among elderly individuals.
Meanwhile, people in the UK are being affected by a virus known as norovirus. Elderly people, children, and those with weakened immune systems are the most vulnerable.
It is also known as the “vomiting bug,” as infected individuals experience severe vomiting. The virus is highly contagious and can pose a serious threat to life.
According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), an average of 640 people are being hospitalized daily due to norovirus. The number of cases has increased by 57 percent this week compared to last week.