News
Tuesday, November 06, 2012
Sudden shift in weather takes toll on people’s health* Up to 150 patients suffering from viral diseases visit capital hospitals daily
By Ali Hassan
ISLAMABAD: With the change in weather conditions, hospitals and clinics of the federal capital have been observing a massive rush of patients suffering from viral diseases during last many weeks, Daily Times learnt on Monday.
It is learnt that patients suffering from a number of viral diseases like cough, scabies, flu (influenza), fever, swelling in various parts of body and chest infection have increased as 100 to 150 patients visit the outpatient departments (OPD) and emergency wards of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Polyclinic Hospital on a daily basis.
The unpredictable weather – a bit cosy during the day and chilly at nights – has given a rise to viral infections. A large number of patients, especially children, visits healthcare facilities in the federal capital with ailments like runny noses, soar throats and respiratory disorders, said physicians at the PIMS and Polyclinic – the two most visited hospitals in Islamabad. “The recent rains and a sudden change in weather conditions have accelerated the spread of these infections amongst children who are not properly taken care of,” said a doctor.
PIMS Assistant Director Dr Waseem Khawaja told Daily Times that weather was changing and the rain on Monday in different parts of the capital city may trigger viral diseases, adding that rotavirus and poliovirus becomes active in this season. “PIMS is receiving 50-70 patients suffering from chest infection and 80-100 patients suffering from high fever every day. The hospital is fully equipped to facilitate all these patients coming from the twin cities or other adjacent localities,” Khawaja said.
Dr Ammna of the Children Hospital said the recent weather conditions were causing the spread of viral as well as bacterial diseases. She said that negligence in preventive measures against these diseases could lead to pneumonia among children. “We do not recommend heavy doses of medicine, but ask parents to include warm liquids in the child’s everyday diet,” she said. “Children aged between 4 and 8 years are more vulnerable to these viral infections, as their immune systems are weak.”
An official at the Polyclinic Hospital said that the number of patients suffering from chest infection and influenza had increased in the last few days. “Over 100 patients are visiting the hospital on a daily basis,” he said. Medical experts also suggested that as the weather was changing, people should avoid rushing outside in the cold.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk