Coimbatore: There has been a spike in the number children and adults approaching city doctors with symptoms of viral infection like running nose, cough and mild fever. It seems to be a mild, but a fast spreading infection that has been brought about by the frequent weather change, doctors said.The Coimbatore Medical College Hospital has been getting about 40 cases of cold, cough and fever in its outpatient department daily for the last few days. “While about 40 such cases were recorded on Tuesday, we had 37 cases on Monday and a similar number of cases towards the end of last week,” resident medical officer Dr A Soundaravel said. “There does seem to be a viral infection bug in the atmosphere, but it does not seem to be very severe, requiring hospitalization,” he told TOI.Paediatricians in the city said the number of children coming with viral infection-like symptoms, mainly respiratory symptoms, has increased in the last five days. “Compared to about a week ago when I would get four to five cases of specific cold and cough a day, it has now increased to almost 20 to 30 cases a day since the last five to seven days. It seems to be a fast spreading viral infection,” senior paediatrician at Kovai Medical Centre and Hospital Dr K Rajendran said.Doctors are relieved that it is a mild infection. “While it does bring about feverish symptoms like mild temperature, burning eyes, heaviness in the head and severe body pain, the infection seems to subside within three to five days,” said Dr Murali, infectious diseases expert at PSG Hospitals. “Infections that resemble seasonal flu occur when there is a change in weather pattern,” he said.Symptomatic treatment with anti-histamines and paracetamol is enough, doctors said. “We advise patients to stick to home remedies like saline drops and homemade concoctions made using honey, basil and Mexican mint leaves for children,” said Dr Rajendran. “Children above the age of six can also do steam inhalation,” he added.

Stay updated with all the Coimbatore Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.