Kathmandu, February 19

There has been a significant rise in the number of viral fever patients in Kathmandu lately.

Patients have been visiting hospitals with complaints of fever, upper respiratory tract infection and sore throat. Some of the main causes for increase in the number of patients are seasonal change, increasing pollution and dust particles in the air.

“More than 50 per cent of the patients visiting the hospital are suffering from viral fever,” said Dr Khem Raj Bhusal, consultant physician at Green City Hospital, Basundhara. Patients visiting the hospital complain of headache, fever, cold and cough.

The defence mechanism of the body is mainly affected by dust particles. People are suffering from allergies too and any age group is likely to be affected by viral fever. Infants, the elderly, people suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, renal failure and HIV are prone to infection and need more care and treatment. Those, who are  already suffering from respiratory diseases are under high risk of viral fever. If the patients are infected, then they are likely to suffer from diarrhoea, vomiting and lethargic feeling, among other symptoms.

Dr Bhusal said that though some recover from fever within two to five days, some people with lower level of immunity need proper treatment and care.

Those having viral fever for a long time are found to be suffering from secondary bacterial infection and pneumonia as well as influenza according to the doctor.

Viral infection is transmitted from one person to another through direct contact with infected individuals, contact with contaminated objects such as toys, door knobs and inhalation of virus-laden air, dust and other fine particles.

Doctors, therefore, have advised people to stay away from cold and dust, practice healthy habits by washing hands, eating Vitamin C-enriched fruits and vegetables, take rest and drink hot soups to prevent viral fever.