PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD: All public sector hospitals' emergency wards in the federal capital have been put on high alert as the number of flu, cough and fever patients, especially children, is on the rise due to the prevailing cold and smog situation.
According to a report aired by a private news channel, as the mercury dips and the weather turns dry, the number of citizens in the capital city suffering from respiratory diseases is steadily rising.
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Health physicians from major public hospitals in the capital city said the government and private hospitals and clinics witnessing a rush of patients especially infants and children. Health experts have suggested that citizens get vaccinated against the seasonal flu.
Dr Shubana Javed, a senior 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.
She stressed the need to take additional care of children’s health in the winter. She said that parents should dress their children in warm clothes. "I also advise parents not to overheat the children and just put a sweater and warm clothes on them as sometimes overheating can also be bad for them."
One of the basic causes of various diseases is that people do not know how to safeguard the children, Dr Javed highlighted. She said if proper care was not taken, complications such as ear and sinus infections, pneumonia and high fever might occur. "It is the need of the hour to create awareness among the public regarding protection from infections," she said.
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Another child specialist Dr Shahzad at Polyclinic said that people should use green tea, coffee and tea to avoid viral infections. A specialist in respiratory medicine Taha Umair said, during winter, people especially children are more susceptible to allergies which can cause itchy eyes, a runny nose and a sore throat.
While stressing on cleanliness, he said children must be taught to wash their hands every time while going to a toilet and coming back home after a playing activity outside.
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