New Delhi: Monsoons every year bring a varied range of viruses and infections that are unknown to people. Since, this year Delhi and Mumbai have experienced heavy rainfalls, and there have been cases of waterlogging and potholes. This has led to a rise in cases of vector-borne diseases, infections and other viruses. Hence, the cases of fever, cold, cough and flu are rapidly increasing. Amid such conditions, many often tend to take OTC medicines or self-medication thinking the fever to be a normal one but is it safe?
Dr Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant Internal Medicine Gleneagles Hospitals Parel Mumbai while speaking to News9, highlighted various problems that can be caused due to self-medication. According to Dr Agarwal, “As fever cases are rising due to weather changes and humidity, experts are noticing a surge in the trend against self-medication. It is a no-brainer that self-medication is harmful to health and will lead to unwanted health problems. Currently, there are many over-the-counter medications available, and many medications are also promoted on social media that claim to help one deal with fever. However, one has to exercise caution while taking any medication with the doctor’s prescription.”
Health problems due to self-medication for fever
Dr Agarwal explained, “Self-medication can delay treatment and one will suffer in silence. Self-medication can have adverse reactions such as gastric problems and one may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating, heartburn, and breathlessness, and the existing fever can even worsen. People are taking over-the-counter medications without fully understanding their underlying causes, which can mask serious conditions that require evaluation. Self-medication will prevent one from seeking timely help and lead to drug abuse. It is better to be attentive when it comes to your health and seek timely treatment.”
Vital tips to manage fever
One needs to rest enough, stay hydrated by drinking fluids like water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions, opt for a cold compress or fan to lower your body temperature, and don’t use blankets. In case you have severe headache, difficulty breathing, or chest pain then consult the doctor and don’t ignore these symptoms. Self-medication is a strict no-no. Be careful!
With the onset of monsoons, the cases of fever, cold, cough and flu are rapidly increasing. As fever cases are rising due to weather changes and humidity, experts are noticing a surge in the trend against self-medication but is it safe? Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
