Weather ripe for viral infections ...Fluctuation in temperature and high humidity leading to infections

RITH BASU, TT, 06 Mar 2019, Alipore: Fluctuation in temperature and high humidity are leading to Calcuttans falling sick because conditions are perfect for viruses and bacteria to breach the body's defence mechanisms easily, according to doctors.

The rise and fall in temperatures in the city, that started in the last week of February, is likely to continue.

Weather department officials foresee a drop in the minimum temperature after Tuesday's rainfall. But the forecast is for the minimum to rise again later in the week after the rain stops.

Microbiologist Bhaskar Narayan Chaudhuri said the city's humidity was ideal for multiplication of viruses and bacteria.

Added to this, the fluctuating temperatures made these viruses and bacteria more dangerous as the body's defences were compromised in this weather.

"The protective epithelial layer of the upper respiratory tract develops minute cracks because of rapid expansion and contraction of the airways when there is temperature fluctuation. This makes a person more susceptible to attacks by micro-organisms, which multiply when there is excess of moisture in the air," said Chaudhuri.

Critical care and internal medicine specialist Amitabha Saha said people should try to avoid rapid change in conditions, like entering an AC room directly from bright sunshine.

They should try to take a warm bath if they get drenched in the rain, he added. It is also important to avoid cold beverages.

"Those with pre-existing conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder should be even more careful," said Saha.