Cold Weather Causes Viral Infections: Experts

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Sukkur: Health experts have attributed the current extremely cold weather as the primary factor behind the surge in viral infections, particularly chest infections and fever, affecting both rural and urban areas of northern Sindh.
The incidence of viral diseases such as flu, chest infections, and pneumonia has surged over the past month, leading to an increased influx of patients, particularly infants and children, at both government and private hospitals and clinics.
A majority of the patients, especially children, have been diagnosed with various viral diseases, including influenza, bronchitis, nasal allergy, asthma, sore throat, chest infection, pneumonia, dry cough, and scabies.
The impact of flu-related illnesses is widespread, with a significant number of individuals, particularly children and infants, seeking medical attention for such ailments in both government and private healthcare facilities.
Dr Zulifqar Soomro, a child specialist, said that the common cold and flu in children should not be taken lightly as these might lead to lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia, while stressing the need to take additional care of the health of children in the winter, adding that parents should dress their children in complete warm clothes.
“I also advised the parents not to overheat the children and to just put on a sweater and warm clothes, as sometimes overheating is also not good for them,” he said.
Dr Zulifqar said that one of the basic causes of various diseases is that people do not know how to safeguard their children. He said if proper care was not taken, complications such as ear and sinus infections, pneumonia, and a high fever might occur.
Dr Najia, when contacted, said that most of the patients came here from the slum areas, as the people complained that they could not keep their children warm because of electricity and gas load shedding.
She said that severe cold and dry air may cause respiratory tract infections and trigger asthma among people of all age groups. It is time to create awareness among the public regarding protection from infections, she said.
Dr Najaf Ali Shah said that people should use green tea, coffee, and tea to avoid viral infections. He said that people should pay more attention to the kind of shoes they wear. Shoes should neither be too tight nor should they squeeze the toes; they should allow space for moving the toes but should not allow feet to be exposed to harsh weather, he said we should also avoid high heels daily and restrict their occasional use, he stressed.
Working in a government hospital in Ranipur, suggested that one should give one’s feet a 30-second inspection daily to check for any peeling skin, unnatural moistness, or to rule out any discoloration, redness, cracks, or other abnormalities, said Dr Mansoor Memon.
Upon discovering any of the above-mentioned problems, we should consult a doctor as soon as possible, Dr Mansoor added.
He said that foot care also depends on good posture. It is important to stand straight, with weight balanced on both feet and the toes pointing straight ahead. If sitting for long periods, ensure that you move your feet and ankles frequently to keep circulation active, he added.
To avoid diseases, experts suggest keeping the feet dry. Diabetics must take special care of their feet, and in case they notice anything unusual, they must consult a good doctor as soon as possible.