Monsoon season in India brings a rise in viral infections. Most fevers are viral and self-limiting, but some require careful monitoring. Here are answers to frequently asked questions:
1. Antibiotics & viral fevers
- Antibiotics do not cure viral infections. They only work for bacterial infections.
- Unnecessary use leads to resistance and side effects.
- Use antibiotics only if your doctor confirms a bacterial infection.
2. Antivirals — when are they useful?
- Most viral fevers do not need antivirals.
- Influenza (flu): Elderly and patients with diabetes, heart, lung, or kidney disease may benefit from early antiviral treatment.
- Severe influenza viral pneumonia (similar to COVID-19) can cause low oxygen levels (hypoxia) — sometimes requiring oxygen support or hospital admission.
3. Dengue, chikungunya & other arboviruses
- Platelet monitoring is important in dengue.
- Myth: Papaya leaf juice does not dramatically increase platelets.
- Fact: If platelets drop very low with bleeding risk, transfusion helps. Ultimately, platelets are made in the bone marrow — no quick fix.
- Chikungunya often causes severe joint pains.
- Other viral fevers may mimic dengue; testing helps confirm.
4. Other monsoon viral infections in India
- Enteroviruses & gastroenteritis — cause diarrhoea, dehydration.
- Hepatitis A & E — spread through contaminated food and water.
- Respiratory viruses — flu, RSV, adenovirus often rise in crowded, humid conditions.
5. Precautions during monsoon
- Mosquito control: Use nets, repellents, remove stagnant water.
- Hand hygiene: Wash hands regularly with soap, especially before eating.
- Food & water safety: Drink clean water, avoid roadside food in unhygienic places.
- Crowd precautions: Stay home if sick, maintain distance in crowded areas.
- Masking if unwell helps reduce spread of respiratory viruses.
Final notes
Most viral fevers recover with rest, fluids, and supportive care. See your doctor promptly if you have:
- Persistent high fever
- Breathing difficulty or oxygen drop
- Severe abdominal pain, bleeding, or confusion
- Very low platelets or worsening symptoms
Stay alert in monsoon — simple precautions protect you and your family.