Changed weather triggers diseases

Health experts advise citizens to increase intake of hot drinks and remain indoors

RAWALPINDI:

The change in weather has resulted in an increase in seasonal diseases as outpatient departments (OPDs) of government hospitals and private clinics in Rawalpindi have been flooded by patients suffering from cold, cough, sore throat, chest infection, fever and pneumonia.

Due to being highly contagious, viral infections afflict entire families, while cases of a new variant of coronavirus are also on the rise in the Rawalpindi district.

In the Rawalpindi district, the Covid-19 positivity ratio has increased from less than one per cent to 1.42 per cent. So far, four cases of the Omicron variant have been confirmed in the twin cities. The Punjab health department has advised the citizens to take precautionary measures, avoid crowded places, wear masks and complete their vaccination.

The OPDs of the city’s big hospitals including the Benazir Bhutto General Hospital, the District Headquarters Hospital and the Holy Family Hospital and private clinics are witnessing an increase in cases of common cold, cough, sore throat, chest infection, fever and pneumonia.

Patients are being advised to wear masks at all times. Moreover, instructions are being issued to people to protect themselves from cold, wear warm clothes, use soup and coffee, avoid drinking cold water, and gargle with lukewarm saltwater regularly during the day.

District Health Officer Dr Ehsan Ghani has said that the current change in weather has caused an increase in seasonal diseases, but the threat of the Covid-19 fifth wave makes it important for everyone to receive their mandatory two Covid-19 vaccine shots and a booster to strengthen their immunity level.

Family physician Dr Ziaur Rehman said: “Everybody is vulnerable to pneumonia during the prevailing cold weather. If someone has a high fever, shortness of breath and chest pain when coughing or sneezing, it is important to have a blood test done to rule out pneumonia.”

In case of pneumonia, he further said, it is also important to take a complete course of pneumonia rehabilitation.

Another family physician Dr Israrul Haq said that precautions must be taken to avoid diseases caused by weather changes. He advised people to consume coffee and hot delicacies and stay indoors to avoid cold water.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8^th, 2022.