Chitwan — With the onset of winter, Bharatpur Hospital has reported a significant increase in patients suffering from seasonal cold and flu. According to hospital officials, 20% of all patients visiting the hospital are currently affected by seasonal cold, cough, and fever.
Senior physician Dr. Pramod Paudel said that the number of patients with cold-related symptoms has risen sharply compared to normal days. “The pressure of such patients is higher than usual,” he stated. The hospital now receives 1,500 to 2,000 patients daily, of which more than 300 cases involve seasonal cold and fever, he added.
Senior physician Dr. Kalidas Adhikari also noted a rise in patients complaining of persistent symptoms such as fever lasting up to four days, sore throat, headache, body aches, loss of appetite, and dry cough. “Seasonal flu cases have increased,” he said. To prevent infection, he advised avoiding cold food, limiting outdoor activities in cold weather, and wearing thick, warm clothing when going outside.
Dr. Adhikari further mentioned that a few patients have tested positive for scrub typhus, while chronic patients and elderly individuals are experiencing more severe effects of seasonal illnesses.
Pediatrician Dr. Khem Paudel reported that children are also being significantly affected. Many pediatric patients have shown symptoms such as persistent fever, runny nose, and loss of appetite. He emphasized preventive measures such as avoiding cold foods for children, limiting outdoor exposure during mornings and evenings, dressing them in warm clothing, and providing warm, liquid foods.
According to him, 50% of the children currently visiting the hospital are suffering from seasonal cold, cough, and fever.
Bharatpur Hospital caters to patients from Chitwan and several neighboring districts. As a federal hospital offering specialized services, it has become a major treatment hub in the region.
