Runny noses: Coughing capital waits for rain
Extended dry weather caused increase in viral infections, expected rain may offer succor.
Extended dry weather caused increase in viral infections, expected rain may offer succor. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
The residents of the capital need a fresh spell of rain to get rid of seasonal flu and allergy caused by the persistent dry spell.
For the last three months the outpatient departments (OPDs) of the public hospitals are flooded with the patients suffering from viral infections, common cold and asthma.
According to data collected by The Express Tribune, the Pakistan Institute of Medical Science (Pims) is receiving an average of 100 and the Polyclinic Hospital over 150 patients every 24 hours.
Polyclinic Hospital spokesperson Dr Tanveer Malik said that since September last year there has been an increase in the number of patients from 90 to over 150 per day.
He believed that the constant dry spell is one of the major reasons behind this increase. Dr Malik advised people to take preventive measures while going out during early hours in the morning and after sunset.
A senior Physician at Pims who wished not to be named said, “To me it seems as if every third person in Islamabad is suffering from seasonal flu.”
He was of the view that the dry spell coupled with constant gas load shedding is factors behind the rise in the number of common flu and asthma patients.
He said that using wood or coal as an alternative fuel to keep warm and cook food is hazardous for health.
The smoke badly affects the lungs which results in constant coughing or asthma attacks for those already having breathing problems, he said.
Jawad Ahmad, a salesman at a drug store on Fazale Haq Road, said that as compared to the last winter during this season there has been a 30 per cent increase in the sale of common flu and anti-allergic drugs season.
“Some 80 per cent of the customers purchase medicines for common cold and allergy,” he said.
Meanwhile Pakistan Metrological Department Director Khalid Malik said light to moderate rain is expected on Sunday and Monday. Another spell is expected on February 7 and then on the 14th.
The minimum temperature will drop from seven degrees Celsius to three or four degrees, he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 2nd, 2014.
The residents of the capital need a fresh spell of rain to get rid of seasonal flu and allergy caused by the persistent dry spell.
For the last three months the outpatient departments (OPDs) of the public hospitals are flooded with the patients suffering from viral infections, common cold and asthma.
According to data collected by The Express Tribune, the Pakistan Institute of Medical Science (Pims) is receiving an average of 100 and the Polyclinic Hospital over 150 patients every 24 hours.
Polyclinic Hospital spokesperson Dr Tanveer Malik said that since September last year there has been an increase in the number of patients from 90 to over 150 per day.
He believed that the constant dry spell is one of the major reasons behind this increase. Dr Malik advised people to take preventive measures while going out during early hours in the morning and after sunset.
A senior Physician at Pims who wished not to be named said, “To me it seems as if every third person in Islamabad is suffering from seasonal flu.”
He was of the view that the dry spell coupled with constant gas load shedding is factors behind the rise in the number of common flu and asthma patients.
He said that using wood or coal as an alternative fuel to keep warm and cook food is hazardous for health.
The smoke badly affects the lungs which results in constant coughing or asthma attacks for those already having breathing problems, he said.
Jawad Ahmad, a salesman at a drug store on Fazale Haq Road, said that as compared to the last winter during this season there has been a 30 per cent increase in the sale of common flu and anti-allergic drugs season.
“Some 80 per cent of the customers purchase medicines for common cold and allergy,” he said.
Meanwhile Pakistan Metrological Department Director Khalid Malik said light to moderate rain is expected on Sunday and Monday. Another spell is expected on February 7 and then on the 14th.
The minimum temperature will drop from seven degrees Celsius to three or four degrees, he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 2nd, 2014.