Although fresh Covid-19 cases are less in the City, there is rise in viral infections especially those affecting children. These viral infections coupled with fever and respiratory problems, especially to children have become cause of concern not only to parents, but doctors are also worried as most of the paediatric wards in prominent hospitals are full.
The worrying fact is that health officials have expressed concern over simultaneous rise in cases of respiratory virus flulike illness that is typically more likely to affect children and older adults. Unlike normal flu where infections were to last for three to four days, this time the infection is for a longer period. The infection is for eight to ten days. Some of the symptoms are high fever ranging upto 102 to 104 degree, respiratory problem, body pain, cough among other symptoms.
However, in a relief none of the children having symptoms of fever, cough and cold have been tested positive. A senior paediatrician at Rani Children Hospital, Dr Rakesh Kumar said, “In last few weeks, cases of viral infection have gone up. The children suffering from viral infections suffer from fever, cough, cold and respiratory problems. But in a big relief we have carried out a Corona test of several patients admitted at hospital, but none of them have been tested positive.”
Kumar also said, “The patients suffering from fever and respiratory problems have been diagnosed with illnesses which generally occur during winter and diseases which generally occur during rainy season such as diarrhoea, typhoid, malaria, dengue and others.” The doctor also talked about the precautionary measures which can be adopted to check the spread of disease such as avoiding outside food, water which can lead to water borne disease, use of mosquito nets or replants during night, keeping the surroundings neat and clean and use of masks and sanitizers.
The doctor’s observation assumes importance as the daily caseload of corona cases has come down in the State. On Thursday, 23 fresh cases were reported but at the same time 25 persons recovered from infection. The active cases in Jharkhand are 223.
A paediatrician at RIMS said, “In this season children getting viral infection is normal, but this time the cases of viral infection has gone up with thrice the number of cases.” The RIMS doctor said that at the paediatric ward most of the beds are full and in such a situation it becomes tough for us if new patients arrive.
The doctor claims that if parents witness symptoms of fever, stomach upset, body pain, or cough then they should immediately consult a doctor rather than going for homemade treatment. Also in such situations it is always advisable that parents follow Covid guidelines as normal viral infection can also be treated.
Meanwhile, considering the threat of a possible third wave, the state health department has directed all Civil Surgeon to take extra steps such as increasing the number of ICU beds in urban and rural hospitals, mobilising paediatricians, local doctors, and ASHA (accredited social health activist) and Aanganwadi workers at village levels.