Twin cities see sharp rise in seasonal ailments
Residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are facing a surge in seasonal illnesses, as the unusual combination of monsoon rains, humidity, and lingering heat has triggered a sharp rise in infections across the twin cities.
Cases of throat infections, flu, coughs, colds, allergies, ear–nose–throat complaints, and fever-related conditions have risen significantly. Reports of gastric and abdominal disorders are also becoming more common.
Allied hospitals in Rawalpindi are seeing long queues of patients suffering from such ailments, including men, women, and children. Within the past 24 hours alone, a total of 3,160 patients were treated at the three allied hospitals — Holy Family Hospital, District Headquarters Hospital, and Benazir Bhutto General Hospital. All were provided medical treatment and medication before being discharged.
Poor sanitation, particularly in low-lying areas where rainwater collects, has further exacerbated the situation. Streets filled with sewage waste and debris have created breeding grounds for disease.
Private neighbourhood clinics are also profiting from the surge in seasonal illnesses. Doctors at these facilities are reportedly administering glucose drips to patients with gastric complaints upon arrival, often at considerable cost.
A standard prescription typically includes an injection, coloured vials (yellow, green, and red), along with capsules and tablets, for which patients are charged around Rs450. Where a drip is given, fees range from Rs1,200 to Rs1,500.
Ear infections, nasal congestion, and allergies are affecting both men and women, while young children are proving especially vulnerable to throat, stomach, and ear-related illnesses. Doctors caution that cold drinks exacerbate throat problems, and unhygienic street food further heightens health risks.
Dr Inayat, Deputy Medical Superintendent of BBH, has advised citizens to exercise particular care during this seasonal transition.
He recommended that people avoid chilled water, cold drinks, and energy beverages; refrain from excessive ice cream and overripe fruits; drink herbal tea regularly; use face masks consistently; avoid overly spicy or oily food; and consume lemonade and sweet foods in moderation; wear full-sleeved shirts and trousers in the evenings to guard against dengue and common mosquitoes; avoid shorts or half-sleeved clothing in open green spaces; add onions, lemons, coriander, and ginger to meals; and drink lukewarm water with meals and as part of a daily routine for better health.
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Twin cities see sharp rise in seasonal ailments
Private neighbourhood clinics are also profiting from the surge in seasonal illnesses. PHOTO :PIXABAY Residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are facing a surge in seasonal illnesses, as the unusual combination of monsoon rains, humidity, and lingering heat has triggered a sharp rise in infections across the twin cities. Cases of throat infections, flu, coughs, colds, allergies, ear–nose–throat complaints, and fever-related conditions have risen significantly. Reports of gastric and abdominal disorders are also becoming more common. Allied hospitals in Rawalpindi are seeing long queues of patients suffering from such ailments, including men, women, and children. Within the past 24 hours alone, a total of 3,160 patients were treated at the three allied hospitals — Holy Family Hospital, District Headquarters Hospital, and Benazir Bhutto General Hospital. All were provided medical treatment and medication before being discharged. Poor sanitation, particularly in low-lying areas where rainwater collects, has further exacerbated the situation. Streets filled with sewage waste and debris have created breeding grounds for disease. Private neighbourhood clinics are also profiting from the surge in seasonal illnesses. Doctors at these facilities are reportedly administering glucose drips to patients with gastric complaints upon arrival, often at considerable cost. A standard prescription typically includes an injection, coloured vials (yellow, green, and red), along with capsules and tablets, for which patients are charged around Rs450. Where a drip is given, fees range from Rs1,200 to Rs1,500. Ear infections, nasal congestion, and allergies are affecting both men and women, while young children are proving especially vulnerable to throat, stomach, and ear-related illnesses. Doctors caution that cold drinks exacerbate throat problems, and unhygienic street food further heightens health risks. Dr Inayat, Deputy Medical Superintendent of BBH, has advised citizens to exercise particular care during this seasonal transition. He recommended that people avoid chilled water, cold drinks, and energy beverages; refrain from excessive ice cream and overripe fruits; drink herbal tea regularly; use face masks consistently; avoid overly spicy or oily food; and consume lemonade and sweet foods in moderation; wear full-sleeved shirts and trousers in the evenings to guard against dengue and common mosquitoes; avoid shorts or half-sleeved clothing in open green spaces; add onions, lemons, coriander, and ginger to meals; and drink lukewarm water with meals and as part of a daily routine for better health.
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