P.K. Gupta, former president of the Indian Medical Association in Lucknow, added: “Climate change has bolstered the survival of mosquitoes, making them resilient and active in every season, causing more human infections. Furthermore, virus mutations have made fevers more cunning, leading to a decrease in platelet counts.”
Doctors have also pointed out that people take medications with anti-platelet effects, causing their platelet counts to remain low. When fever strikes, these counts decrease even further, lowering resistance levels. Consequently, fevers take longer to subside, and post-fever recovery becomes a protracted process.
‘Fear the Fever’ – Awareness Can Unmask Illusions
Vinod Jain, former dean of paramedical at KGMU, explained the surge in hospital visits during fever outbreaks and said: “The extended queues at hospitals and pathology labs for fever cases can be attributed to increased awareness and improved diagnostic capabilities, which can identify underlying ailments that were previously undetectable.”
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Abhishek Shukla, the secretary-general of the Association of International Doctors, emphasized the importance of a measured approach to fever diagnosis. “Fever is an indication that something might be wrong in the body, but deciphering the underlying issue should be left to the experts. Individuals armed with internet knowledge often opt for multiple tests without understanding their necessity.“
Experts advise that initially dealing with fever should involve simple measures like maintaining hydration with ORS and using a dampened cotton cloth on the forehead for high fevers.
Reference :
- Prolonged Febrile Illness and Fever of Unknown Origin in Adults – (https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2014/0715/p91.html)
Source: IANS
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