Kashipur: Cold and cough cases rise as weather changes, LD Bhatt hospital OPD sees over 50 such patients a day instead of 15-20; doctor advises masks and hygiene

With temperatures swinging between cold mornings and evenings and strong afternoon sun, cold and cough cases have risen sharply at government and private hospitals in Kashipur. According to Amar Ujala, the OPD of the LD Bhatt Government Hospital used to see 15 to 20 patients with cold, cough and fever on normal days, and now sees more than 50. Elderly people have more breathlessness and asthma along with cough, and patients with asthma, bronchitis and sinus problems are also struggling more. Medical officer Dr Varun Bhardwaj said cold air brings back old ailments and coughs get worse as nights turn colder. He advised wearing masks in crowded places, keeping hands clean, not bathing children early in the cold mornings and giving them nutritious food. According to Amar Ujala's weather report, rain and snow in the hills will make the plains colder too.