If you are suffering from cough and cold, fever, stomach pain and other kinds of infectious disease, then you are not alone. With winters peaking in India, patients of viral and other infectious disease have been on the rise. As per Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study, 1 in 9 persons tested found positive for infectious disease.
As per reports, based on data from its Virus Research and Diagnostic Labs (VRDL) network, ICMR has revealed that one in nine people in the country suffers from some form of infection.
The infection rate increased from 10.7% to 11.5% between January and June 2025. This means that people are now falling ill with viral infections in every season.
According to the study, the most common viruses in India include influenza A, dengue, hepatitis A, norovirus, and herpes simplex virus. The study also revealed that pollution, overcrowding, dirty water, and weak immunity in urban areas are rapidly increasing the incidence of infections.
ICMR has warned that India should now view viral infections as a year-round health challenge.
There is a long list of viral infections that vary according to the season, environment, and lifestyle. However, some infections affect a large number of people every year such as-
Flu, Cough and Cold due to change in weather, Stomach Infection due to intake of substandard water, Dengue & chikungunya due to mosquito bites, Hepatitis A and E (liver infection), Respiratory Infection, and Conjunctivitis.
If you are suffering from viral infection, proper care and precautions can help provide quick relief and prevent the infection from spreading to others. Patients are advised-
Rest and stay home.
Drink plenty of water.
Eat a light and nutritious diet.
Wear a mask when coughing or sneezing.
Maintain distance from people.
Take your doctor's prescribed medications on time.
