Cities are experiencing a notable rise in cold, cough, and fever cases, driven by rapidly fluctuating temperatures—from hot afternoons to cool evenings—with doctors warning of a viral “epidemic” hitting OPDs across the city. Nearly 20 % of outpatient visits report symptoms like fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle pain, and persistent cough—though most patients recover within 3–4 days.

Medical professionals highlight that temperature swing fosters a mix of rhinovirus, parainfluenza, RSV, and influenza, particularly affecting children and the elderly. Secondary bacterial infections occasionally emerge, prolonging colds into sinusitis, laryngitis, or chest congestion—and resulting in lingering cough—and hoarseness lasting several weeks.

Despite the viral surge, hospital admissions remain low, though some pneumonia cases are reported in vulnerable populations . Doctors caution against indiscriminate antibiotic use unless bacterial infection is confirmed, suggesting symptomatic treatment with anti‑allergics, nasal sprays, and fever relief. Experts also urge influenza vaccination, mask usage, enhanced hygiene, and monitoring high‑risk individuals amid possible mild COVID-19 variants circulating now.