Patna: The outpatient department (OPD) at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) has witnessed a 30-40% rise in viral fever and influenza-like illness cases over the past two months, according to special medical officer Dr Chandan Kumar Singh.Doctors attribute the seasonal surge to fluctuating temperatures and the onset of the monsoon, with children below five years and the elderly among the most vulnerable.Hospitals across the city are reporting patients with high fever, bodyache, headache, cough, runny nose and sneezing as changing weather creates favourable conditions for viral infections.Dr Singh said the rise coincides with the transition from summer to monsoon and frequent temperature variations. While viral fever affects all age groups, children below five years and adults above 60 years face a higher risk of complications, he said.The infection spreads through respiratory droplets and close household contact, including sharing towels and bedsheets. Fever, headache, sneezing and muscle pain are the common symptoms, while some children develop muscle inflammation severe enough to make walking difficult, Dr Singh added.Dr Ravi Kirti, professor in the department of general medicine at AIIMS-Patna, said the hospital has seen a steady influx of such patients recently. “Most recover from fever within five to seven days, but dry cough and weakness may persist for up to two weeks,” he said.Dr Kirti advised patients to remain well hydrated as high fever leads to excessive sweating and fluid loss. He also recommended a protein-rich diet comprising pulses, milk products and meat, along with fresh fruits and vegetables, to aid recovery.Former Indian Medical Association (Bihar) president Dr Rajeev Ranjan said viral infections typically increase during the early monsoon as viruses proliferate while immunity declines. Floods also contaminate domestic water supplies, increasing the risk of water-borne diseases such as typhoid, gastroenteritis and jaundice, he said.Doctors advised people with flu-like symptoms to isolate themselves, wear masks in crowded places and avoid sharing personal items at home. They also stressed hand hygiene, consumption of vitamin C-rich foods, avoiding stale and junk food, and annual flu vaccination for everyone, especially high-risk groups, before seasonal weather changes. The vaccine costs around Rs 1,000-2,000 and is available in private clinics and hospitals, they said.
