Viral fever has become widespread in the city due to the floods. The number of patients is increasing gradually, doctors said.

Most of the cases of viral fever are reported from the city areas hit by flood. People are being affected by the droplet infection from the victims, according to doctors.

Dr Md Nazrul Islam of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) added three more reasons for the spread of the fever. These are: lack of adequate knowledge, poverty and congested accommodation.

This fever generally needs no medication. Patients get cured automatically after a certain period, he said. But a few may require medication who develop runny nose.headache, bodyache and redness of eye along with the fever. In such cases, patients can take Tab. Paracetamol (500 mg) thrice dally and Tab. Antl-his-tamin twice daily. The Anti hlstamln tablet is not a good drug for the pediatric group, especially children under the age of 2 years, he added.

Though the fever mainly affects the upper respiratory tract but in many cases it also affects the lower tract causing pneumonia if the patient is in poor physical condition, malnourished or immune suppressed. Dr Islam said.

Dr Uiam said patients having allergy should consult with doctors because they may develop Bronchial Asthma. Chronic Bronchitis as viral infection Increases the sensitivity of mucosal tract.

Dr Islam who treated a good number of such patients, advised the affected persons to use separate handkerchief to prevent droplet Infection which can affect the healthy persons living with him. Clothes used by the patients should be kept away from the children. All should be very careful, particularly about safe disposal of excreta and drinking water, he said.