Doctors say sporadic weather is making citizens, especially children, susceptible to illnesses like cough, cold and fever; advise people to drink enough water, eat regular meals and take proper rest
With the city experiencing fluctuating temperatures, cases of swine flu, fever, cold and flu have seen a spurt in recent days. Doctors from various hospitals said that the sudden rise and fall in the temperature has led to a sharp rise in viral and bacterial infections. Although the rise in cases is not alarming, doctors are still warning parents to be alert about their children’s health.
Doctors claim that the unsteady temperatures affect the health of children the most, and increase their susceptibility to a wide array of communicable and infectious diseases, adversely affecting their health.
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In the air: With changing weather patterns impacting the health of children, parents were seen bringing their kids to this Children’s Hospital in Borivli (W) yesterday. Pic/Nimesh Dave
General practitioners from across the city said it is essential that parents ensure their kids maintain hygiene and maintain distance from people diagnosed with any form of communicable diseases. The city has seen a rise in the cases of malaria, dengue, swine flu and viral fever.
Dr Ashok Rathod, head of department (pediatrics) JJ Hospital, said, “Fluctuating climate results in fall of immunity among children which in turn makes them prone to infections. There is a possibility of children contracting diarrhoea, fever, flu and viral infections. It is very essential that children drink ample water to keep their bodies hydrated.”
If your child has a bout of sneezing, watery eyes, lack of appetite, wheezing and breathlessness, and the symptoms do not let off in 48 hours, doctor’s advise an immediate visit to a nearby hospital. Doctors request parents not to overlook what may seem like a common cold and cough. In case of children suffering from asthma, doctors advise that parents provide their children with the prescribed medicine regularly.
Dr Sandeep Bavdekar, Head of department (paediatrics) Nair hospital said, “Respiratory ailments are the most reported by children during a climatic change. It is very essential that kids suffering from asthma be taken care of during this situation. Parents should ensure that their kids are not exposed to a polluted environment.”
Meanwhile, officials from Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) confirmed that the temperature in the city has been declining for past few days. V K Rajeev, director, RMC, Mumbai, said, “The temperature has been declining for the past three days. The minimum temperature was 13° Celsius, while the maximum temperature was recorded at 32° Celsius yesterday.”
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