Health advisory issued for coming heatwave in twin cities

Say people should avoid going outdoors unnecessarily from 10am to 5pm

RAWALPINDI: In view of forecast of very hot and dry weather by the Pakistan Meteorological Department in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, besides most parts of the country during next week, health experts have suggested adopting protective measures to stay safe from various diseases which are likely to be caused by hot weather.

District Health Authority Chief Executive Officer Authority Dr Rashid Khan speaking to the media said that patients suffering from stomach-related ailments such as diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach ache and loose motions visit hospitals more often in summer than other seasons. He said with the mercury rising it results in various respiratory disorders, adding that children with low immunity and vulnerability to sickness, often fall sick during the summer days.

He advised people to drink plenty of water and juices to wash out their upper respiratory system.

Stressing upon preventive measures, Deputy District Health Officer Dr Muhammad Ali Mirza advised citizens to avoid going out unnecessarily in the sun from 10am to 5pm, and if they do, they must take preventive measures such as covering their heads, drinking ORS and water frequently to stay hydrated.

If they feel their body temperatures rising or any kind of headache, they should find a shade immediately and drink water as headaches are caused when the body is dehydrated, he added. District Health Officer Preventive Services Dr Naveed Malik said that signs and symptoms of heatstroke were dry skin with severe headache, lethargy and vertigo and extreme tiredness.  

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27^th, 2019.