Time to take extra measures to avoid RTIs

Rawalpindi:The respiratory tract infections including colds, flu and throat infections which have already started hitting the population here in this region of the country may take the shape of an epidemic in the coming days if individuals do not take extraordinary preventive measures well in time.

Data collected by ‘The News’ has revealed that the number of cases of colds, flu and throat infections is on the rise not only because of sudden fall in temperature at night, dawn and in the morning but also due to poor quality of air. The public and private sector healthcare facilities in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have started receiving a significant number of patients with fever, sore throat and flu.

According to health experts, both the variation in temperature between day and night and a high level of pollution in the air is causing spread of various seasonal ailments. The weather in the region is in transitional phase demanding people to take extra care to avoid seasonal infections. Experts say that the major reason behind the spread of seasonal infections is lack of awareness among the public on how to avoid these infections.

Common cold and flu (influenza) which are very common infections of upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, ears and sinuses) are caused by viruses that are sneezed and coughed by infected people into the air. These infections are highly contagious, passed by tiny droplets produced during sneezing, coughing of infected persons and touching things with hands and tissues that others touch.

Dry cold and polluted air are the factors that may give rise to the incidences of RTIs. The winter season is setting in yet there has not been any rain spell due to which the atmosphere is filled with toxic dust causing a number of ailments. Experts say that individuals must take extra care to avoid damages that the dust and chemicals in the air can cause.

By wearing a mask, one can minimise the bad effects of the polluted air engulfed by dusty clouds, toxic metals and vapours containing a number of harmful chemicals. Vehicles, brick kilns and factories serve as a big source of air pollution in the existing weather conditions particularly in the absence of rain.

The sudden fall in temperature at night demands warm clothing though the majority of the population have not started wearing warm clothes as yet. Experts say that the best way to prevent the spread of respiratory tract infections is practicing good hygiene such as washing hands with soap and warm water regularly.

To avoid throat infections, people should take extra care in their diet. Children should be given plenty of hot fluids and should not be allowed to consume cold drinks and ice cream. Also a sudden exposure to cold should be avoided as it may cause multiple muscular pains.