Covid Surge In India: New Variant And Weather Change Drive 774 New Cases

As winter sets in and cold wave intensifies, health experts are highlighting a sudden surge in viral infections, influenza, and COVID-19 cases.

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Dr Nikhil Modi, a senior pulmonologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, pointed out that the declining temperature leads to increased moisture in the air, low wind speed, and a rise in pollution, contributing to various infections.

"Due to the falling temperature, there is fog, which, along with pollution, forms smog. This atmospheric condition can result in different types of infections, and many people are experiencing difficulty in breathing," Dr Modi said.

"The rise in cases is not limited to COVID-19, other infections, including swine flu, influenza, and H1N1, have also seen an increase.

Hospitals are witnessing a surge in patients with symptoms such as cough, cold, fever, breathing problems, decreased oxygen levels, and pneumonia complaints," he added.

Dr Nikhil Modi emphasized preventive measures to avoid infections in winter.

He recommended staying indoors whenever possible, covering the body adequately in cold weather, especially the head and legs.

Consuming nutritious, hot food, maintaining cleanliness, and wearing masks when going outside are crucial precautions.

"Stay indoors in such weather and not go out of the house unless it is necessary. The best way to avoid diseases in winter is to keep your body properly covered in the cold. Especially cover your head and legs," he said.

"Eat nutritious food, eat hot food, take care of cleanliness and wear a mask whenever you go out of the house. Because the mask will not only protect you from many viral infections but will also protect you from pollution," Dr Modi added.

Amid the surge in COVID-19 cases, the doctor urged people not to ignore symptoms such as cough, cold, fever, body ache, loose motion, throat mucus, and headaches.

He emphasized the importance of testing for other viral infections, not just COVID.