Bengaluru’s Cold Snap Fuels Virus Surge; Doctors Urge Masks, Caution Against Self-Medication

Cold Snap and Crowded Spaces Fuel Surge in Respiratory Illnesses Across Bengaluru

A sharp dip in temperatures, combined with closed indoor environments, is driving a significant rise in viral and respiratory infections in Bengaluru, prompting medical experts to urge renewed vigilance regarding masks, early treatment, and caution against self-medication.

Hospitals across the city, both public and private, are reporting increased footfall of patients presenting symptoms of fever, persistent cough, cold, fatigue, and breathlessness. Medical professionals note that the very young, the elderly, and those with pre-existing lung conditions are bearing the brunt of this seasonal surge.

Weather and Environment Create Perfect Storm for Viruses

The uncharacteristically cold early mornings and late evenings are a key factor. However, specialists clarify that the cold itself is not the direct cause.

“Cold weather by itself does not cause infection, but dry air, closed indoor spaces and poor ventilation allow viruses to spread faster,” highlighted Dr. Basalingappa Rudrappa Mukkuppi, Public Health Specialist at the Department of Community Medicine, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI). He added that Bengaluru residents are less naturally acclimatized to such cold compared to those in northern India, which can lower the body’s defensive capacity.

This environment has led to a spike in reactive airway problems and asthma flare-ups in young children, especially those under four, and a worsening of chronic conditions in the elderly. Commuters in buses, the Metro, and workers in poorly ventilated offices are identified as particularly vulnerable groups.

Prevention Rooted in Simplicity and Tradition

Doctors stress that effective prevention is neither costly nor complicated, revolving around warmth, hygiene, and practical wisdom.

Dr. Mukkuppi advised covering the nose and mouth with a scarf during chilly hours to warm inhaled air and maintaining body heat by wearing socks indoors and protecting areas prone to rapid heat loss like the head, neck, and feet. He also advocated for traditional remedies over modern trends for warmth.

“Drinking kashaya or turmeric milk is more useful for warmth than trends like black coffee or green tea,” he noted, emphasizing that adequate sleep, warm home-cooked meals, hydration, and vitamin C-rich fruits form the cornerstone of natural immunity support.

The relevance of masks, he asserted, extends beyond the pandemic. Wearing a mask when symptomatic is a social responsibility to curb droplet spread in crowded settings, while consistent hand hygiene remains “the cheapest vaccine we have.”

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Warning Against Drug Misuse and Delay in Treatment

A concerning trend paralleling the infection surge is the propensity to self-medicate or delay professional consultation. Doctors warn that this can mask symptoms while allowing the underlying infection to progress.

“Taking paracetamol for a few days may reduce fever, but the underlying infection can remain,” cautioned Dr. Mukkuppi. He underscored that untreated upper respiratory infections can descend into the lungs, turning severe.

He specifically warned against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics for viral fevers, a practice that fuels antimicrobial resistance and makes future bacterial infections harder to treat. Seeking medical help is crucial if fever persists beyond three days, or if symptoms like breathlessness, chest pain, wheezing, or high fever with severe body aches develop, especially in vulnerable individuals.

“The cold wave may be temporary, but preventive habits should be permanent,” Dr. Mukkuppi concluded, advising residents to dress in layers, avoid sudden cold exposure, and respect the potential impact of Bengaluru’s current weather on public health.