Though the sky had been overcast since the last two days, the weather remained dry, increasing the number of people suffering from seasonal diseases like dust allergy, chest and throat infections and cough. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasted the weather as being partly cloudy with light showers for the next 24 hours. The dry spell continued and the paramedical staff of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Polyclinic continued their strike, adding to the miseries of patients suffering from seasonal ailments. Since there has been no rainfall recorded since the beginning of the winter season, hospitals have seen a surge in the number of patients suffering from seasonal diseases, with children as the most affected.
Health experts said dry winters in Pakistan affect people allergic to dust. The combination of dry weather and the construction activities in the city added to their difficulties. Talking to Pakistan Today, PIMS spokesman Dr Zulfiqar Ghaori said it was natural for people to suffer from itchy eyes, nose allergies and chest infections during prolonged dry spells. Cases of children suffering from asthma have also increased. Ghaori said people should increase their intake of fluids and ensure cleanliness to prevent diseases.
He added that parents should make their children wear warm clothes but not over-heat them. Dr Fareed Khan Zimri, a physician, said most of the patients came from the slum areas as they could not keep their homes warm because of the gas load-shedding. Talking about the weather forecast for the next 48 hours, a PMD official said more rain with snowfall was expected over the hilly areas of upper Punjab, Gigit-Baltistan and Kashmir while cold and dry weather is expected elsewhere in the country.
Cold weather sickening Islooides
RAWALPINDI: Due to the prevailing dry weather conditions and increasing chill, the number of flu-related diseases, including cough and soar throat, are increasing in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. A large number of people, particularly children were seen in a large number at government as well as private hospitals with complaints of cough, flu, throat problem, pneumonia and diarrhea. The doctors have advised the people, especially children, to wear warm clothes to save themselves from flu-related diseases. They have also advised the parents not to overheat the children and make them wear just sweaters and other warm cloths as sometimes overheating is not good. The doctors have asked the people not to use gas heaters when they are out of the rooms. According to them, a small bowl filled with water should be kept in front of a gas heater otherwise it will be detrimental for health. The complications of flu-related diseases were witnessed in a large number in the slum areas of the twin cities as the inhabitants complained that they could not keep their children warm because of gas load shedding. Misal Khan, a resident, said all his family members were suffering from throat infection and influenza because of the prevailing long dry spell and chill. A large number of people are also facing problems of dust allergy, especially those living alongside busy roads and crowded markets of the twin cities. Little rains in this winter have increased the risk of dust allergy among the people, particularly children. Moreover, the construction work in the capital as well as construction of flyovers and roads in Rawalpindi are the main cause of dust allergy. ARSHAD ALI