Experts warn against self-medication with all three categories of drugs: aspirin, diclofenac and ibuprofen. (Representative image)
In a conversation with News18, Dr Amitesh Agarwal, Head of Medicine Unit, GTB Hospital, Delhi, shared tips on how to avoid viral fever and cold, as well as precautions to take.
As the weather changes, doctors are advising people to take extra care of their health. With the change in weather, there is a rise in patients suffering from viral infections. Symptoms like high fever, body aches, cough and cold are the most common and most visible. Viral infections can spread rapidly, even when a healthy person comes in contact with an infected person. A significant number of suspected dengue patients are also being admitted to hospitals in Delhi. If not treated in a timely manner, dengue can sometimes lead to serious complications.
In a conversation with News18, Dr Amitesh Agarwal, Head of Medicine Unit at GTB Hospital, Delhi, shared tips on how to avoid viral fever and cold, as well as precautions to take.
Dr. Agarwal explained that the weather follows a sequence where summer leads to rain, rain leads to winter and then back to summer. Our bodies need time to adjust to these seasonal changes. The beginning of a new season can be detrimental to health due to the weakening of the immune system. In such situations, viruses and bacteria find it easier to attack, leading to viral fever, cold and sore throat. If the viral symptoms do not resolve within 2-4 days, it is important to consult doctors immediately.
Why does a cough take longer to heal?
Many patients experience a persistent cough after a viral infection, particularly with post-viral sputum. Severe cough and mild fever usually persist for 4 to 5 days after the viral fever has subsided. According to Dr. Agarwal, post-viral cough can persist even after a cold or flu infection due to irritation of the upper respiratory system.
How to identify post-viral cough
The expert points out that the cough is usually less intense in the morning and tends to get worse as the day progresses. Other symptoms may include headache, watery eyes, burning sensation and a feeling of heat. Post-viral cough can last between 3 and 8 weeks. If the cough persists for a prolonged period, it is essential to consult a doctor.
Medications to avoid without a prescription
Experts warn against self-medication with the three categories of drugs: aspirin, diclofenac and ibuprofen. These non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used as painkillers, but can be dangerous if taken without medical supervision. Aspirin, in particular, is often used to thin the blood and rapidly reduces platelet counts. This can be especially harmful in cases of dengue, where the platelet level is already low.
Many people routinely buy medicines from pharmacies without consulting a doctor for fever or body ache. However, the Drug Control Department in Delhi has instructed pharmacies operators not to sell these painkillers without a prescription and to maintain proper records.
Precautions to take
- Drink only boiled water or water purified by reverse osmosis.
- Avoid eating stale or junk food.
- Eat balanced and nutritious foods.
- Keep the house and surroundings clean.
- Make sure there is no standing water around your home, including in refrigerators and coolers.
