Lucknow, Mar 9 (UNI) The weather transition has forced people, across all age groups, to run to doctors and the nearest chemist shops against a whole gamut of viral ailments.

This is an annual phenomenon during the intermediate period of winters and summers falling between March and mid-April.

''This is the time, when winter fades away and the great Indian summer ascends the horizon,'' Meteorological Office Director K P Kulshreshtha told UNI here today.

However, this year could prove to be even more unfriendly on the health front, since the climate is colder than usual with occasional cloud formation on random days.

There is a certain amount of moisture in the air with warmer days and cooler nights, which adversely affects our immune system, giving an opportunity for proliferation of virus.

''In this weather, it depends upon the individual immune system that how well he/she remains safe from these seasonal ailments, including viral fever, throat infection, headaches and respiratory diseases,'' he added.

Since days are warmer, people take liberty in clothing while venturing out. However, this proves harmful to the body. Some people also suffer from allergies in this season, a prominent private physician said here.

Meanwhile, the sale of over-the-counter analgesics, pain killers and cold medicines has already risen manifold, while a long queque could be seen in the general OPD department of government and private hospitals.

UNI