Unsually nasty cough n’ cold bout grips city

Secunderabad: Hospitals in the city are flooded with cases of cough and cold. There are at least 20-25 cases in Gandhi Hospital alone. Doctors say the cold weather creates a congenial condition for viruses to thrive.

Highlights:

• Temperature in city dropping by the day
• Hyderabad recorded a minimum of 12 degrees on Wednesday night
• Up to 25 cases of cough and cold reported at Gandhi Hospital alone in the past few days
• Pregnant women, children more susceptible
• 3 days rest recommended by doctors

Dr Shankar, superintendent, Fever Hospital said, “During winter, viruses will flare up but it cannot be said to be Swine Flu.” He further added, “Unlike last year, there are few Swine Flu cases but one has to take precautions for cold and cough.”

Revathi, a resident of Sithafalmandi said, “Four in our family are suffering from severe cold and cough. In spite of taking medicines there is no respite.” Doctors say that cold and cough are self-limiting in nature, but one has to be careful and take precautions such as not eating outside food, especially street food, drinking clean water and keeping oneself warm. Pregnant women need to be cautious.”

A large number of pregnant women are susceptible to cold and cough. Dr Kalpana, RMO, Government Maternity Hospital, Petlaburj said, “Cold and cough is not a disease, but a symptom of another underlying disease and a lot of care is to be taken.”

What makes it difficult for doctors is antibiotics do not seem to work for cold and cough but in some cases, it arrests the problem. Inclement weather adds to the problem. Cold, cough, malaria and typhoid cases are common during the season but flu like symptoms are to be seen.”

Three days’ rest is recommended by doctors along with medication. Women and children are more susceptible especially who have weak immunity levels. Home cooked food, not getting exposed to breeze and covering one’s food helps in fast recovery.