Temperature swings drive cough-and-cold surge in Kolkata; doctors flag respiratory viruses and winter pollutant impact

Kolkata sees a spike in respiratory illnesses

Kolkata hospitals are witnessing a noticeable rise in cough-and-cold cases as winter temperatures swing over short periods, with doctors attributing the flare-up to common respiratory viruses and seasonal conditions that favour transmission. Clinicians say both outpatient and inpatient loads have increased, and patients are arriving with persistent cough, chest congestion, fever, sore throat and hoarseness.

Medical experts cited a mix of viral triggers—such as rhinovirus, metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus—alongside occasional bacterial involvement. Doctors also reported isolated instances of swine flu and non-COVID coronaviruses, reinforcing that multiple pathogens can circulate simultaneously during winter, especially when the weather shifts rapidly.

Why winter conditions can worsen symptoms

Physicians noted that winter can trap pollutants closer to the ground because of atmospheric conditions, which can aggravate chronic respiratory issues like asthma and COPD. When air irritants are higher and temperatures change abruptly, airways can become more reactive, leading to prolonged cough and breathing discomfort even when the original infection is mild.

Children and teenagers are also being affected, though many cases are described as moderate. Doctors say the combination of school exposure, close indoor contact and seasonal viruses can raise the risk of short cycles of infection across families and communities.

What doctors are advising

Clinicians are urging symptom-specific treatment and cautioning against self-medication with antibiotics unless prescribed, since most routine cough-and-cold cases are viral. They are also advising people to maintain warm clothing, manage triggers like dust and smoke, and seek evaluation when fever persists, breathing difficulty increases, or symptoms worsen despite home care.

• Avoid unnecessary antibiotics unless a clinician recommends them
• Use symptom-based care (hydration, rest, fever control as advised)
• Keep warm and reduce exposure to cold air and allergens
• If you have asthma/COPD, follow your maintenance plan and monitor symptoms
• Seek medical help for persistent high fever, breathlessness, or worsening chest symptoms

Doctors expect the surge may continue until temperatures stabilise, as fluctuating weather can keep respiratory viruses in circulation and can also worsen irritation-related symptoms in sensitive patients.