Public awareness campaigns are underway to educate citizens about the correlation between temperature shifts and increased susceptibility to infections.
The
fluctuating winter temperatures in Mumbai pose significant health risks,
increasing the likelihood of viral infections and allergies, by creating an
optimal environment for the proliferation of viruses, according to doctors.
After reaching the season’s low of 17.5 degrees Celsius,
minimum temperatures are expected to remain above 20 degrees Celsius for at
least a week, with Monday’s minimum temperature being 22 degrees Celsius — five
degrees above normal, at IMD’s Santacruz observatory. Colaba’s coastal
observatory recorded 22.6 degrees Celsius.
Dr
Wiqar Shaikh, internal medicine department, JJ Hospital, expressed his concerns
saying, “The fluctuating temperature is posing a serious threat to public
health. Our respiratory wards are witnessing a surge in patients, even with a
decrease in air pollution. The fluctuating weather seems to be a significant
factor in exacerbating respiratory issues and compromising individuals’ immune
responses.”
Despite a noticeable decrease in air pollution, Mumbai is witnessing a sustained
influx of patients with respiratory problems with the temperature variations
aggravating pre-existing health conditions. According to doctors, such
fluctuations in temperature can weaken the body’s defence mechanisms.
In cases of common cold, the symptoms last only for a week,
while viral infections persist longer with headache, joint ache, dry cough and
a low grade fever, doctors said. With bacterial infection, the sputum colour
turns yellowish or greenish and is accompanied by high fever and sore throat.
“An
increase in air pollution attacks the respiratory system,while higher levels of
carbon monoxide directly hit the cardiovascular system and the respiratory
tract, particularly among children,” said Dr Gauram Bhansali, consultant
general physician at Bombay Hospital.
Adding
to the worries of healthcare professionals is the emergence of the JN.1, the
new Omicron variant
of Covid-19.
Unpredictable weather conditions in Mumbai could further facilitate the spread
of the highly transmissible variant, fear experts.
Dr
Rahul Pandit, chair Intensive Care Unit at HN Reliance Hospital and former
member of the state Covid task force, emphasised the need for heightened
vigilance.
“The
Omicron variant is already presenting unique challenges, and the weather
conditions in Mumbai are not helping… We need to be extra cautious and adhere
to preventive measures to curb the potential impact of this variant on our
healthcare system.”
Public
awareness campaigns are underway to educate citizens about the correlation
between temperature shifts and increased susceptibility to infections.
No comments:
Post a Comment