The rise in numbers of mosquitoes and other insects is yet another cause to be extra careful during the season.[break]
“The months of June, July and November and December mainly come with many communicable diseases and threats of viral infections,” says Dr Niraj Nepal, physician at Kathmandu Model Hospital, Bag Bazaar.
He claims that 15-20% of cases in the Out Patient Department (OPD) of the hospital are related to viral infections. “This rate increases as the season reaches its peak,” says Dr Nepal.
The common cases of viral infection in Kathmandu are common cold, flu, viral diarrhea and conjunctivitis. Viral infections such as common cold and flu are caused by influenza virus, adenovirus and rhino virus. In children, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is mostly responsible for respiratory illness.
When viruses that cause these infections enter the body, it triggers the body’s immune defenses. The body’s natural immunity system then begins to attack and destroy the virus. According to Dr Nepal, due to the frequency of these viral infections, many people are aware of self-supportive treatment.
“Most common viral diseases such as common cold and flu are self-limiting in generally healthy people. These viral infections cause illness for a certain period of time, then it resolves and symptoms disappear as the immune system deals with the virus, and the body recovers,” he adds.
However, Dr Nepal warns that in some cases, viral diseases can lead to serious, possibly life-threatening complications. If not attended to during its initial stage, these minor infections can cause dehydration, bacterial pneumonia, and other secondary bacterial infections.
“Therefore, we prescribe Vitamin B Complex along with antipyretic drugs for these kinds of cases as the said vitamin helps to increase immunity power to fight the viral infection,” he says.
“These viral infections don’t have age limits. However, apart from the types of viral infections, the symptoms can vary in character and severity, depending upon the person’s age and overall health,” says Dr Kamal Raj Thapa, Resident MD at Bir Hospital.
Dr Nepal points out that it is necessary to take precautions during the peak season of viral infection. According to him, usage of hygienic water and properly cooked food cuts down most of the chances of catching viral infection. When there are symptoms of fever, malaise and fatigue, he advises against excessive physical exertions.
Precaution is the best measure to mitigate the effects of viral infections, says Dr Thapa. “People should be aware of the initial symptoms and be careful with one’s basic habits during the period of seasonal changes,” he says. He elaborates that there are three stages of prevention in case of viral infection: primary, secondary, and tertiary.
Primary prevention methods are useful when the initial symptoms appear in the body. The methods include using mask in public places to avoid droplet infection.
Due to the airborne nature of the viral diseases, such as common cold and flu, a simple act of sneezing can also cause the viruses to transfer itself to the surrounding host.
Hand washing or sanitization can also reduce the effects of virus attack. Proper care in decontamination will help keep airborne as well as waterborne infections at bay. It is wise to rest at home; especially children are advised to avoid crowded places if mild effects of viral infection are witnessed in the body.
Secondary and tertiary preventive methods are taken into action when the effects of viral infection are properly visible. Anti-viral drugs are taken to deal with the effects of the virus in the secondary mode of prevention.
The tertiary method includes more elaborate medication after admitting the patient to intensive care unit (ICU). The need for tertiary prevention suggests more serious case of viral infection.
Apart from these preventive measures, Dr Nepal suggests that it is not healthy to be in a place with no proper air circulation during the outbreak of season.
And though viral infections can be cured easily, it is wise to consult a doctor before taking any medications. Also, in case of serious symptoms of an illness or a viral disease, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, alteration in alertness, it is beneficial to consult a doctor in the early stage.
Symptoms of viral infection
The symptoms of viral diseases differ according to the type of virus causing the infection, the area of the body that is infected, the age and health history of the patient, among other factors. However, the general symptoms are listed below:
• Fatigue, fever, sore throat and cough can be seen which are also referred as flu-like symptoms
• Headache, body ache and muscle pains that generate the feeling of irritability
• Gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, loss of appetite.
• Malaise (general ill feeling)
• Rashes
• Sneezing, stuffy nose, nasal congestion, runny nose, or postnasal drip
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Redness of the eyes
Related story
Experiences of summer splash
