Karachi battles surge in seasonal illnesses

Flu cases on the rise as hospitals overflow with patients

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KARACHI:

The city is grappling with a sharp surge in seasonal illnesses as the winter chill intensifies, with medical experts warning of a significant surge in flu, cough, and respiratory infections, as well as measles and pneumonia cases, particularly in children.

According to Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital Karachi Dr Khalid Bukhari, hundreds of patients infected with flu virus are reporting daily in the OPD and emergency of the hospital. Most of the patients suffering from chest infections are those who have been careless in the cold season.

Dr Bukhari urged the public to exercise extreme caution as the cold weather intensifies. He advised people to avoid using fans during this season and instead make use of warm clothing and blankets. He advised further that children should be sent to school in full-length coats and warm sweaters, with their heads covered. He said children should avoid motorcycle rides as the cold air directly hits their chest and head, which can trigger chest infections.

Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital Director Dr Wahid Rajput said that more than a dozen patients with measles and pneumonia have been admitted to the hospital, while more than 50 patients are reporting in the hospital's OPD with flu, dengue, malaria, asthma and respiratory diseases.

He said that the measles virus is spreading rapidly. In case of high fever and rashes on the body of children, parents should immediately consult a doctor, he advised.

According to Lyari Hospital's Medical Superintendent, Dr Jamil Mughal, the hospital is witnessing dozens of patients suffering from flu and measles in its emergency and outpatient departments.

Pediatrician Dr Faisal disclosed that the measles and pneumonia cases among children are on the rise. Boiled eggs with home-made hot drinks help fight cold, he said.

The MS of Sindh Government Liaquatabad Hospital Dr Atiq Qureshi also confirmed that the number of patients suffering from flu, cold and fever is increasing, with dozens of complaints of asthma and chest infections reported every day. He also appealed pregnant women to be more careful in cold weather, while also advising mothers of newborns to keep the infants with their heads covered.

Cold wave to hit today

A new cold wave is expected to hit Karachi from today, leading to a significant drop in both day and night temperatures, according to Karachi's Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfraz.