Doctors say the morning and evening fog in the season triggers asthma due to the presence of suspended pollen and dust particles.

“People are increasingly complaining of cough and chest congestion, followed by high-grade fever. These are symptoms of viral infections in the cold conditions, which generally give rise to a very high fever, accompanied by weakness in the body,” said ENT specialist Dr V K Sharma, Government Multi-specialty Hospital (GMSH), Sector 16.

On an average, the number of patients walking in his clinic range from 25 to 35 daily for cough and congestion related problems. “If the patients do have the symptoms, we advise them to not take antibiotics as they have a limited affect. Rather, medicines targetted at bringing down high temperature should be given,” added the doctor.

While adults are complaining of cough and congestion, children are falling prey to ear infections, which is a characteristic of upper respiratory tract infection. Low immunity and exposure to the cold for long are the reasons children are visiting the OPDs more and more in the season.

Doctors say that a shooting pain in the ear, especially at night, in children below the age of 12 years indicates a common infection and needs immediate attention to prevent permanent damage to the ear.

“Children need to be kept warm and if possible, indoors, as an infection can be detrimental to the child’s health in the longer run if not treated in time,” said the doctor.

Things to keep in mind:

* Keep yourself warm, have hot fluids and if possible, warm water to drink

* Avoid close contact with people carrying symptoms of viral infections

* Asthmatics need special care in the season, should be regular with the medication