Smog, cold lead to rise in viral infections

Punjab govt closes down smoke-emitting brick kilns after rise in flu, sore throat cases

RAWALPINDI:

An increasing number of flu, sore throat and eye infection cases have been reported in different hospitals of the Rawalpindi district in the past few days with the onset of the smog season.

The usual coughing and sneezing associated with dry weather is keeping people from enjoying the chilly evenings after an unusually hot summer.

Public sector and private hospitals have started receiving. Most of the patients were visiting the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, the Holy Family Hospital (HFH) and the Cantonment General Hospital with a large number of children among the patients.

"Smog causes sore throat and eye irritation," said Ex-Director Health Services Dr Rafiq Ahmed. He added that smog season starts from November and goes on till December 31, and so diseases associated with pollution also increase during this time.

Dr Rafiq advised that people should cover their faces while going outside and should also keep their windows and doors shut. He said people should treat eye irritation by washing their eyes instead of rubbing their eyes, as it could lead to an increase in irritation.

The official said the use of jaggery before sleeping was also a good remedy and gargling was also beneficial. Dr Rafiq said the use of cold water should be abandoned during the smog seasons while the consumption of broth should be increased.

He said that hands should be washed frequently, at least four to five times a day, while taking steam before sleeping could also prove to be beneficial.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has closed all brick kilns that have not installed zigzag technology in Islamabad and Rawalpindi until December 31.

The Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner has also issued orders for a crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles, factories, and the burning of crops and garbage to control the spread of smog in the district.

Environmental Protection Department Senior Inspector Inaamur Rehman said they have imposed collective fines worth Rs0.25 million and sealed three brick kilns, five stone crushing machines, 51 smoke-emitting vehicles, and eight factories during the last 72 hours.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1^st, 2021.