Delhi temperature: Caught between waves, city feels the heat

NEW DELHI: There is a spate of viral and bacterial infections sweeping across the city. Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever are some of the most common problems being reported, say doctors.
“In most cases, these symptoms subside in 2-3 days. However, we are also getting 5-6 patients daily over the past few days who require hospitalisation,” said Dr Suresh Kumar, medical director of Lok Nayak Hospital.
Kumar added that one of the main reasons for the increase in gastrointestinal problems was consumption of roadside food and cold beverages.“We admitted two schoolchildren suffering from persistent diarrhoea and vomiting on Monday. People should avoid eating out and try to have fresh food at home,” said the Lok Nayak Hospital director.
Dr Rommel Tickkoo, director, internal medicine at Max Saket, said there was a nearly 40% increase in the number of patients rushing to OPDs with diarrhoea, vomiting and febrile illness over the past two weeks. “Extreme heat and sudden change in temperature is causing the spurt in such cases. People should avoid spending too much time in the sun and increase fluid intake,” he added.
“This is the season when viral infections spread rapidly, so it becomes imperative to follow proper hand hygiene and avoid eating from outside,” said Dr (Col) Vijay Dutta from Indian Spinal Injuries Centre. “We are also getting patients who complain about headache, stomach ache and fatigue that are mostly related to exposure to excessive heat. Staying hydrated is a must. Also, one should avoid fatty food,” he added.
Dr Nripen Saikia, senior consultant, gastroenterology at PSRI Hospital, said, “It is difficult to maintain adequate temperature for cooked food, especially non-vegetarian items, in extreme heat conditions. Also, there are chances of increased bacterial contamination of dairy products. Therefore, one should be extra careful in ensuring they consume these food items fresh.”
Doctors said the increase in febrile illness was unlikely to be related to Covid-19. “Covid-19 cases and positivity rate both are significantly down. The symptoms are also mild in people who are testing positive for the disease. We hardly advise their contacts to get tested, unless they are also symptomatic. I think the increase in febrile illness is linked to extreme heat and sudden change in temperature when we move in and out of an air-conditioned environment,” said another doctor.