A senior lung specialist has emphasised the need for heightened care of the elderly and young children in the ongoing foggy and cold weather.
Head of the Pulmonology Department in Allama Iqbal Medical College,
Dr Ashraf Jamal, warned of increased air pollution resulting from the combination of fog and smog during severe cold spells.
He highlighted a surge in cases of chest infection, fever and pneumonia, particularly among children and the elderly.
He underscored the vulnerability of these groups to adverse weather effects and urged special precautions, including the use of warm clothing and consumption of hot drinks.
Read: Cold gusts from northwest heading towards Karachi
He advised motorcycle riders to wear helmets and face masks to shield themselves from the cold wind and pollution amid the fog.
The pulmonologist discouraged outdoor activities such as jogging in open grounds, parks, physical exercise and walks during severe cold weather and fog.
To mitigate the risks, he recommended that patients of heart diseases and high blood pressure continue consuming warm drinks, lukewarm water and incorporate nuts into their diet. He stressed the importance of wearing warm clothes, socks and mufflers, advising against unnecessary exposure to the cold and fog.
Dr Jamal called for increased awareness about the severity of the weather and the importance of disease prevention.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 15th, 2024.
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