📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Shazinsharaf
Health
Bhopal sees surge in child colds, doctors warn against self‑medicating antibiotics
✍️ Amar Ujala · Bhopal
🗓 03 Sep 2026, 07:33 PM
👁 3
Health officials in Bhopal report a rise in cold, cough and fever among children as the season changes, urging parents to avoid giving antibiotics or injections without medical advice due to the risk of secondary pneumonia.
The city of Bhopal has observed an increase in cases of cold, cough and fever among school‑age children since the recent change in weather. Local health centres report a noticeable uptick in parents bringing youngsters for routine check‑ups due to these symptoms.
Doctors emphasize that the fever reading alone should not dictate treatment. Instead, they advise caregivers to closely monitor the child’s activity level, appetite, and breathing pattern to gauge the seriousness of the illness.
Medical professionals caution that viral infections can predispose children to secondary bacterial pneumonia. Unnecessary use of antibiotics or injectable medicines without a confirmed bacterial cause can mask symptoms, foster resistance, and delay appropriate care.
Parents are urged to consult a qualified paediatrician before administering any medication. Early professional evaluation, adequate hydration and rest remain the recommended approach for managing common viral respiratory illnesses in children.
Doctors emphasize that the fever reading alone should not dictate treatment. Instead, they advise caregivers to closely monitor the child’s activity level, appetite, and breathing pattern to gauge the seriousness of the illness.
Medical professionals caution that viral infections can predispose children to secondary bacterial pneumonia. Unnecessary use of antibiotics or injectable medicines without a confirmed bacterial cause can mask symptoms, foster resistance, and delay appropriate care.
Parents are urged to consult a qualified paediatrician before administering any medication. Early professional evaluation, adequate hydration and rest remain the recommended approach for managing common viral respiratory illnesses in children.