Rawalpindi:A sudden change in weather conditions, the setting in of summer though with frequent variations in this part of the country may cause incidences of certain infections along with creating problems for chronic patients including heart patients, diabetics and patients with hypertension.
Both the public and private sector healthcare facilities including the three teaching hospitals in town have started receiving a significant number of patients with seasonal infections including sore throat, diarrhoea and gastroenteritis and as well, cardiac patients mostly with the complaints of uncontrolled blood pressure. The incidences of gastrointestinal infections are also being reported though mostly among children at the time.
Health experts say that the population in this region of the country may face a greater threat of gastroenteritis in the coming days if individuals do not take preventive measures well in time. Gastroenteritis, inflammation of the stomach and intestines, is caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites and its outbreaks are reported in summer and monsoon in Pakistan. The consumption of contaminated food and water along with poor sanitation are among the major causes behind its spread.
Health experts say that at the time of setting in of summer, the concerned government authorities should create awareness among the public about preventive measures needed to avoid gastroenteritis and other seasonal infections to minimise the losses. Gastroenteritis claims not less than 50000 lives every year in Pakistan, the data based on reported cases reveals.
The main symptoms of the infection include vomiting, fever, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps along with dehydration and lowering of blood pressure. It is important that hot weather conditions help bacteria grow faster and intermittent spells of heat along with repeated fall in temperature due to rain spells increase chances of incidences of seasonal infections.
Experts say that to avoid certain health threats, the majority of chronic patients need change in routine along with medication after change in weather conditions and it is better for chronic patients to visit their physicians at the time to avoid complications.
At the time of setting in of summer, people must start consuming water after boiling and give special attention to hygiene to avoid diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal infections. School going children should not be allowed to consume food, cold drinks and ice cream being served at vendors in unhygienic conditions.
Poor hygienic conditions at food places and vendors contaminate locally prepared drinks and foodstuff while flies in summer help spreading infections further because of sale of uncovered food, cut fruits and uncovered drinks.
