KATHMANDU: Hospitals including Bir Hospital, Civil Hospital, and Teaching Hospital have seen a sharp rise in the number of patients suffering from viral infections, colds, and seasonal flu in the Kathmandu Valley.  

About 30% of daily outpatients have flu-like symptoms, according to Dr. Milan Khadka, a general practitioner at Bir Hospital, highlighting the viruses' extensive distribution.  

While the symptoms of seasonal flu usually go away in a week, Dr. Khadka says that recent cases are taking 10 to 12 days to go away, which suggests that the virus is changing.  

The symptoms, which are most common in children, the elderly, and people with chronic conditions, include a persistent dry cough, a low temperature, body aches, and exhaustion.  

Dr. Khadka attributed the rise in cases to worsening air pollution rather than cold weather, which he linked to changing climatic patterns.  

Unlike past years, this winter in Kathmandu Valley has been relatively mild, with less severe temperatures contributing to the spread of infections.  

He pointed out that the current state of affairs is consistent with an increase in respiratory ailments worldwide that are made worse by deteriorating air quality.  

These symptoms are similar to those caused by the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which recently infected children under the age of 14 in China and India, however no confirmed cases have been reported in Nepal.  

Dr. Khadka recommended adopting Covid-type precautions to stop the virus from spreading, like sleeping enough, drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet, and wearing masks in public places.  

He emphasized that many patients only seek hospital treatment after trying ineffective self-medication, with diagnostic testing revealing chronic symptoms but no serious problems.  

Dr. Pankaj Pant, a chest specialist at Teaching Hospital, noted a rise in viral infections, especially among patients who already had respiratory disorders like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  

The symptoms of fever, chest congestion, throat pain, fatigue, and chronic coughing are common in these people.  

Since then, there have been no confirmed diagnoses or serious cases of HMPV in Nepal, Dr. Pant noted, despite the fact that some of the symptoms are identical to it.  

Dr. Pant emphasized the importance of preventing infections by cleaning your hands, wearing masks, and eating warm, fluid-rich meals.  

At Civil Hospital and other private facilities, where more patients are seeking care for respiratory and seasonal flu-related conditions, similar patterns have been noted.  

Pharmacists like Dipesh Dahal of Annapurna Neuro Hospital noted a rise in the demand for cough syrups and allergy drugs, which they attributed to extended exposure to air pollution made worse by a dearth of precipitation.  

According to experts, the transmission of airborne diseases is made worse by inadequate indoor air circulation during the winter months when people keep their windows and doors closed for warmth.  

These interior circumstances, when coupled with external pollutants, foster an atmosphere that is favorable for respiratory diseases.  

In order to strengthen the immune system, doctors advised taking preventive measures including wearing warm clothes, eating foods high in vitamins, such as fish, eggs, and citrus fruits, and drinking enough of water.  

They cautioned that untreated flu episodes could worsen and develop into pneumonia or bronchitis, particularly in susceptible populations including the elderly and people with long-term medical conditions.  

Adherence to hygienic habits, such as covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and adequate ventilation in living areas were emphasized as crucial factors in lowering the risk of infection.  

Transmission can also be avoided by keeping shared areas clean and avoiding close contact with infected people.  

Experts advised avoiding practices that worsen air pollution and raise the dangers to respiratory health, such as burning paper for warmth.  

Medical experts think that by putting these precautions in place, the spread of viral illnesses and seasonal flu can be successfully stopped, improving public health throughout the winter months.