Shawdesh Desk:

With entire Bangladesh under the grip of sweltering heat, the number of patients with fever and respiratory problems has seen a rise throughout the country, including the capital.

People suffering from such diseases, especially children, are rushing to different hospitals in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country for receiving treatment.

However, the exact reasons of the fever and respiratory diseases of most of the patients could not be known as they opted out of necessary diagnosis.

“The number of patients suffering from fever and respiratory problems has increased for several reasons, including a rise in coronavirus transmission and the running of the influenza season,” Prof Dr Robed Amin, spokesperson for the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), told the Daily Sun.

The DGHS has given instructions for setting up separate corners at hospitals across the country to provide treatment for the patients having symptoms of dengue, coronavirus and influenza like fever, cough and runny nose.

It has also suggested that people go to nearby hospital or registered doctor as soon as possible and undergo tests for coronavirus and dengue if any symptom like fever, cough and runny nose is seen.

Health experts have also suggested drinking water, liquid foods and keeping hydrated during this time as now is the season of dengue and influenza coupled with a spike in coronavirus transmission. “I think there’re few corona patients while most of the patients are suffering from influenza, para influenza and respiratory syncytial virus. However, the exact disease can’t be confirmed without test,” top virologist Prof Dr Nazrul Islam, also former vice-chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), told the Daily Sun.

He suggested that the authorities concerned increase testing for coronavirus and dengue, and reducing the test fees at both government and private hospitals.

Visiting Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital in the capital recently, it was seen that a number of patients suffering from fever and respiratory problems came to see doctors.

Amid increasing patients, a fever corner has been set up at the hospital’s corridor to provide treatment to them.

“The number of patients with fever and respiratory problems has increased in the hospital for the last few days. We’ve already set up a separate corner to provide treatment to the patients,” Dr Md Sayeduzzaman, deputy director of the hospital, said while talking to the Daily Sun.

He also said they are carrying out coronavirus, dengue and other necessary tests for the patients at the hospital.

According to the DGHS, the number of Covid-19 and dengue patients has increased simultaneously across the country.

The daily coronavirus infection rate declined to below one percent in the first week of June but it rose to nearly 15 percent in the last week of June as various sub-variants of Omicron strain are dominating the country’s Covid-19 situation.

At the same time, the DGHS said, the number of dengue patients has increased in the current month of July as 890 dengue patients have been hospitalised in 21 days of the current month July.

In this situation, patients suffering from fever and respiratory problems are also on the rise since last week.

People from different ages, especially children, are suffering from such diseases amid sweltering heat.

Talking to the Daily Sun, a number of patients said some of them have tested positive for corona while some others negative.

Prof Dr Md Jahangir Alam, director of Dhaka Shishu Hospital, said the number of patients suffering from fever and respiratory problems has increased at the outpatient department of the hospital for the last few days.

“The number of daily patients has increased by at least 150-200 at the OPD of the hospital for the last few days. However, most of them were suffering from viral diseases,” he said.

Jahangir also advised guardians to keep children hydrated and in cool environment and feed them with liquid foods and drinking water during this hot weather.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States, flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.