Children and elderly prone to various diseases as weather changes: Experts

Karachi: Renowned ENT Surgeon, Dr SM Qaisar Sajjad on Saturday said even slightly uneven weather increases the risk of diseases like viral flu, nose and throat infections particularly in young children and the elderly.  

Dr Qaisar said that children and elderly people are most vulnerable to seasonal diseases due their weak immune systems. He said that the slightest change in weather leads children and elderly people developing various seasonal diseases like viral flu, respiratory disorders, lungs infections, asthma, and nose and throat problems.

He said that these problems generally develop in people who are unable to adopt precautionary measures with seasonal changes. Children contract these diseases from school or playgrounds by sharing things with each other; these diseases can then infect family members at home.  

Dr Qaisar said seasonal flu is one of the commonest conditions to affect individuals with weak immunity, especially those who don’t take a proper, balanced diet daily, excessively indulge in junk food & beverages, have low water intake and improper sleeping patterns.

He added that these diseases are common in winter and that people should take all precautionary measures to protect themselves and their families from exposure to infection causing germs during the season.

He further stated that if flu or throat infection persists for more than three days, then professional medical attention must be sought immediately for proper, timely treatment. He discouraged people from self-medicating the condition and excessively consuming antibiotics to treat it. Over-dosage of antibiotics is harmful for the body and helps harmful microorganisms gain resistance.

He urged people to take proper, nutritious diet, avoid junk food and unhealthy beverages, drink at least 10-12 glasses of water per day, and sleep for at least 8 hours daily, which is the body’s requirement for optimal functionality. He said that these simple lifestyle modifications can help keep seasonal diseases at bay.