Pune: After eight days of continuous rain, Pune's weather has shifted, bringing a mix of cloudy days, occasional heat, and cool nights. This fluctuation has left residents grappling with a wave of viral infections, including colds, sore throats, and coughs.

With the spread of viral infections on the rise, doctors are advising the public to take necessary precautions.

Over the past month, the city's fluctuating weather has led to a significant increase in the number of patients. According to doctors, there has been a 25% rise in outpatient visits to both private and government hospitals.

The current weather—cool mornings and evenings followed by hot afternoons—is creating a favorable environment for illnesses such as colds, coughs, fevers, and indigestion.

In many cases, infections are spreading within households, with colds, fevers, and coughs becoming prevalent, alongside digestive issues and body aches. Some patients are experiencing prolonged symptoms of cough and sore throat even after their fever subsides.

Dr. Shubhada Joshi, a general physician, highlighted the impact of the changing weather, noting that the number of patients with cold and flu-like symptoms has surged in the past eight days. She emphasized the need for caution, particularly to prevent the spread of the flu.

Simple practices like washing hands thoroughly, drinking clean water, and avoiding outside food can help mitigate the risk of illnesses such as typhoid, jaundice, gastroenteritis, and diarrhea.

Dr. Shashank Bhailume echoed these concerns, observing a noticeable rise in patients with symptoms like fever, body aches, colds, and coughs. He pointed out that the changing weather is contributing to these illnesses, with recovery times being longer than usual.

The elderly and children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of the changing weather, with their weaker immune systems making them more susceptible to infections. Doctors are seeing an uptick in cases of colds, fevers, coughs, diarrhea, and vomiting among these groups.