Dry, cold weather triggers diseases

25% of patients visiting private and govt hospitals have symptoms of viral fever

KARACHI:

Private and government-run hospitals have been witnessing an unusual rush of patients suffering from cold, cough, pneumonia and respiratory illnesses as cold and dry weather has triggered an outbreak of seasonal diseases in the metropolitan city.

According to medical practitioners, an estimated 25 per cent of patients visiting Karachi's hospitals every day have symptoms of seasonal viral fever. A 10-15 per cent increase in cases of respiratory illnesses, cold or rhinitis has also been reported.

Health experts say that the city's temperature has been dropping in the mornings and at nights for the past four weeks. This fluctuation in mercury has triggered an outbreak of common cold, flu, cough and viral fever, especially among schoolchildren.

Similarly, pneumonia cases have also registered an unusual increase in the city's hospitals.

Medical practitioners have advised that children and elderly people should wear warm clothes and cover their heads in particular before going outside. Warm beverages can also be beneficial for keeping the chest warm.

They have also advised people with respiratory problems to protect themselves against dust, dirt and a dusty atmosphere by wearing masks when going out. They have also advised against self-medication, saying that if a child or an elderly person in a family is sick, they should consult a certified medical practitioner.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 29^th, 2023.