Jamshedpur: The recent fluctuations in weather has led to a sharp rise in cases of fever accompanied by cough and sore throat in Steel City, doctors said.State-run Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College Hospital (MGMMCH) and Sadar Hospital have witnessed a 30% increase in patients suffering from fever and throat infections over the past week. Over 200 patients aged between 12 and 65 years, are arriving at the outpatient department of MGMMCH daily, doctors said.Dr Sachin Seth of the medicine department of MGMMCH said, “This season is apt for viral growth, so children and senior citizens need to be careful about their health. One has to be careful about ACs as stepping inside a cold room after being under the sun can make you feel instantly comfortable, but it can also make you sick. Avoid going inside an AC room after getting wet in the rain.”Doctors urged parents not let their children eat ice creams and cold drinks after coming home from outside and stressed on the need of hand hygiene.Seth said, “Those complaining of fever and sore throat must not go for self-medication and consume antibiotics, as it makes them immune to drugs in the long run. Wrong and overuse of antibiotics must be avoided. Rather people should drink herbal tea or soup often if they suffer from throat infection.”There has been a 20-25% rise in fever and sore throat cases at private clinics across the city. Dr Upali Sen said, “Patients suffering from fever and throat infection are usually given vitamin C doses along with other medicines to boost their immunity. Family members and friends in school who are sick should avoid sharing food or personal belongings like towels and tumblers. It reduces the chance of spread of disease.”The Met office said Jamshedpur and its adjoining areas will witness light to heavy showers in the evening till Saturday. The showers will lead to a dip in night temperature to 20 degrees Celsius.
