Cold wave triggers surge in respiratory illnesses across K-P

A sharp increase in cold weather has led to a worrying surge in respiratory and chest-related illnesses across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, overwhelming public hospitals in Peshawar and other districts, health officials said on Sunday.

According to the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) report issued by the Health Department, a total of 8,642 cases of respiratory and chest infections were reported from hospitals across the province in just one week, between January 12 and January 18. The rising number of patients has resulted in chest and paediatric wards operating beyond capacity, with many hospitals struggling to accommodate new admissions.

District-wise data shows that Charsadda reported the highest number of cases at 2,573, followed by Haripur with 2,554 cases. Other affected districts include Swabi (780), Battagram (583), Peshawar (535), Mardan (324), Mohmand (299), Swat (287), and Abbottabad (235). Health officials noted that while the number of cases reported in the first week of January was slightly lower, the trend has remained persistently high due to prolonged cold conditions.

The report also highlights a significant rise in influenza cases, with nearly 12,000 cases recorded over the last three epidemiological weeks. Of these, 6,054 cases were reported in one week, followed by 6,190 cases in the subsequent week, indicating a sustained spread of seasonal flu across the province.

In addition to respiratory infections and influenza, pneumonia cases have also increased sharply, particularly among children under the age of five. Epidemiological data shows that 1,649 pneumonia cases were reported in the first week, 1,442 in the second week, and 1,541 in the third week from various hospitals.

Sources said that all three major hospitals in Peshawar, along with several smaller health facilities, are currently filled with sick children, most of whom are suffering from chest infections or pneumonia. The growing patient load has led to a shortage of beds in paediatric wards, further straining the healthcare system.

Health experts have urged citizens to take preventive measures amid the cold spell. They advised families to keep children and elderly individuals adequately covered with warm clothing, ensure proper nutrition, and provide warm fluids such as soup. Experts also stressed the importance of wearing masks when taking children outdoors to reduce the risk of infection.

The Health Department has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and seek timely medical care in case of severe symptoms, warning that neglect could lead to serious complications, especially among vulnerable groups.