Wear masks, avoid crowded places, say Doctors as viral cases rise across India

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

viral fever across the country, doctors are advising people to wear mask again. Experts point out that the rapid spread of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) necessitates masking as the primary preventive measure. Typically prevalent during this season, ILIs are attributed to respiratory viruses.

In recent weeks, the number of cases featuring symptoms such as fever, cough, cold, and malaise (all falling under the ILI category) has approximately doubled in most private hospitals. Government healthcare facilities are also witnessing a substantial daily influx of 200 to 300 patients exhibiting these symptoms. Notably, at the state-run fever hospital in Hyderabad, the daily caseload has surged to over 600 patients, marking a 200-patient increase compared to last month's figures.

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Dr. Rahul Agarwal, an infectious diseases expert and head of the Department of Medicine at Care Hospitals, emphasized the importance of mask-wearing. He stated, «I have made it compulsory for staff, patients, and attendants to wear masks. Since there are a lot of viruses circulating during this time of the year, the best way to protect oneself from respiratory viruses is by wearing a mask and avoiding crowded places — including using lifts.»
Dr. Agarwal further elaborated that crowded areas with inadequate ventilation are prone to suspended droplets that can enter the body through the mouth or nose, emphasizing that a simple cloth or surgical mask is sufficient for the time being.
Dr. Rajesh Vukkala, a consultant in internal medicine at Medicover