Experts warn of severe cough and cold lingering for a week; know how to stay safe | – Times of India

A wave of cough and cold is spreading across the country, the classic characteristic of which is a severe to extremely severe cough.
Taking to Twitter his experience, Dr. Deepak Krishnamurthy wrote: This one cold cough virus wave in Bengaluru is very severe. I coughed so much in the night and had to take nebulizations at midnight, which I’ve never done before.Take care, people. My colleagues tell me that many have had acute bronchitis during the course of this virus. #Bengaluru not just #manflu Finally, I’m feeling much better today. The Senior Interventional Cardiologist’s tweet has gained lots of attention. People have shared their experiences of dealing with the virus.
“I caught this terrible cough/virus on 4 February and haven’t stopped coughing since. Endless nebulizers, antibiotics, a buffet of Strepsils/Vicks later — the cough still isn’t gone and at times it is so severe that I feel I’ll puke. Why aren’t enough people talking about this?,” writes one X user (formerly Twitter).

What is the illness?

“There could be several reasons why severe coughing is prevalent among many people these days. One primary cause could be respiratory infections, such as the common cold, flu, or even COVID-19. Poor air quality due to pollution or allergens can also exacerbate coughing. Additionally, seasonal changes can trigger respiratory issues for some individuals,” says Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Grover, Head of critical care & Pulmonology – CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon.
The illness starts with a cough, runny nose, and a sore throat. It progresses to a severe form of cough in 1-2 days. Even after taking medicine, the cough worsens and lingers for a whole week. In some cases, the cough lasts for over a month.

People have complained that the intensity of the cough is so severe that they find it even difficult to speak without coughing. The illness begins like a typical flu with classic symptoms like sore throat and mild fever; and even though the fever subsided, the cough lingers. This is accompanied by severe body aches.

How to stay safe?

Nebulization is helping people. Nebulization is a medical treatment that involves delivering medication directly into the lungs through inhalation. It works by converting liquid medication into a fine mist or aerosol that can be easily inhaled into the respiratory system using a nebulizer device. This method is particularly effective for treating respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis. Nebulization helps by delivering medication directly to the airways, where it can quickly and effectively relieve symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It provides targeted therapy to the lungs, making it a valuable tool in managing respiratory conditions and improving breathing function.
Apart from this, it’s essential to prioritize both personal health and the safety of those around you. Here are some key tips to stay safe:
Cover your mouth and nose: Always cough or sneeze into a tissue or the inside of your elbow to prevent respiratory droplets from spreading. Dispose of tissues properly and wash your hands immediately afterward.
Wear a mask: If you have a cough, wearing a mask can help contain respiratory droplets and reduce the risk of spreading germs to others.
Practice good hand hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid close contact: Try to maintain a safe distance from others, especially if you’re coughing frequently. This can help prevent the spread of illness.
Stay home if you’re sick: If you have a cough or other symptoms of illness, it’s important to stay home from work, school, or other activities to avoid spreading germs to others.
“To stay safe, it’s essential to practice good hygiene habits like washing hands frequently, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and wearing masks in crowded or enclosed spaces. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and staying hydrated can also help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of respiratory infections. If experiencing severe or persistent coughing, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment,” Dr. Grover advises.