Patna: Patna is witnessing a rapid surge in viral infections, with hospitals reporting a 30–35% increase in patients showing flu-like symptoms over the past week. From government facilities to private clinics, OPDs across the city are operating at full capacity as residents grapple with cough, fever and respiratory discomfort.
Doctors attribute the rise to a mix of worsening air pollution, sudden temperature fluctuations and reduced moisture in the air, creating what they describe as a “perfect environment for viral spread”.
Hospitals Struggle With Growing Crowds
At IGIMS, PMCH, NMCH, Gardiner Road Hospital, Gardanibagh Hospital and the Rajendra Nagar Community Centre, long queues of patients are becoming the norm. Most are reporting persistent cough, high fever, sore throat, runny nose, headaches and breathing difficulties.
Dr Manish Mandal, medical superintendent at IGIMS, said the highest load is being reported in the pulmonary and ENT departments.
“These are largely viral cases. Most do not need specific medication and typically recover within two to three days,” he added.
Despite the significant rise in infections, doctors maintain there is no need for panic.
Pollution, Dust and Weather: A Triple Blow to Health
Patna’s air quality has sharply deteriorated, pushing the city into the ‘very poor’ category. According to hospital officials, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has hovered between 280 and 320 throughout November.
Dr Manoj Kumar Sinha, superintendent of Gardiner Road Hospital, said the city is facing 10–12°C temperature swings between day and night.
“Warm days and cold nights weaken the body’s natural defences. With the air turning drier, viruses stay active longer,” he explained.
Polluted air, he added, not only accelerates viral spread but also worsens breathing issues among sensitive groups.
While most patients are recovering at home, doctors warn that those with pre-existing conditions—asthma, COPD, kidney-related illnesses or heart disease—are likely to experience more severe symptoms.
The current wave highlights a broader public health challenge for rapidly growing cities like Patna: poor air quality and unstable weather now have an immediate, visible impact on population health.
