People opt for injection for fast relief from fever, doctors aren’t too happy

Similarly, 25-year-old Tanvi is all tensed as she is down with fever when her marriage is barely a month away and preparations have come to a stand still. She too asked her doctor to give her a shot of paracetamol injection for a fast recovery. There are many youngsters like Sujit and Tanvi, who opt for quick relief from fever — most commonly malaria and viral that has gripped the city. However, doctors still prefer the traditional medicines to treat their patients. “Many young professionals come to us saying they have utilised their medical leaves and need to resume work as soon as possible. This especially include those working in IT companies as they miss out on their incentives,” said Dr Jayesh Lele, a physician at Malad. “It’s just a common belief among masses that injections give faster relief. Such a perception is seen in the daily wage workers but now in this jet age many youngsters also want speedy recovery so opt for injections. More than 20 per cent of my patients ask for injections now,” Dr Lele added.

“Sudden change in climate brings along with it new viruses. After monsoon withdraws, there is a sudden dryness in the air which leads to bronchitis and fever,” said Dr Lele.

But in the attempt to get faster relief, one gets resistant to the medicines. “Overuse of vaccines leads to resistance. For example, use of Zantamicine drug in fever means the body is exposed to the vaccine and will be resistant to it. And in serious conditions like pneumonia, the vaccine will prove ineffective. Moreover, side effects like rashes also occur,” said Dr Lele. Though paracetamol injections, used to curb the virus, are not as harmful as antibiotic injections, doctors opt for oral medication.

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