Cold Wave Triggers Surge In Respiratory Diseases In Jawzjan

(MENAFN- Pajhwok Afghan News)

SHIBERGHAN (Pajhwok): With the onset of cold weather, health officials and doctors in northern Jawzjan province report an increase in respiratory diseases, saying majority of those affected are elderly and children.

They recommend that, in addition to giving more attention to the elderly and children, those suffering from respiratory diseases should keep themselves away from healthy individuals, gargle with a saline solution several times a day, and avoid going outside during peak air pollution hours.

Dr. Hashmatullah Inayat, a pediatric specialist at Shakaran Hospital in Shiberghan, told Pajhwok Afghan News that every year with the arrival of winter, the air becomes more polluted, and respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, cold, and shortness of breath increase.

He added,“In recent days, we have been receiving 15 to 20 patients daily, most of whom with severe pneumonia and cold, of which 10 are children. When the weather becomes warmer, the number of patients lowers.”

Regarding the increase in respiratory disease cases, he said,“In winter, the gathering of family members in one room and sleeping close together causes the rapid spread of contagious diseases such as cold and pneumonia. Families with more members are more vulnerable to seasonal diseases.”

Dr. Inayat advised that in order to prevent respiratory diseases from spreading, hygiene should be strictly observed, more fluids should be consumed, patients should be kept warm, and gargling with a saline solution should be done frequently.

Meanwhile, Dr. Javid, another specialist in the province, said in recent cold weather, the number of people affected by respiratory diseases has increased.

He added,“Seasonal diseases in winter mainly affect children and the elderly because their immune systems are weak, and they are more susceptible to viruses.”

He advised families to keep children and elderly warm, give them hot liquids, prevent them from being exposed to cold weather, avoid going outside during peak air pollution times, and to wash their mouths with saltwater in the morning and evening. Additionally, when leaving the house, they should wear masks.

At the same time, Qari Zabihullah Hosseini, Director of Public Health in Jawzjan, said that with the arrival of winter, various diseases, particularly cold, pneumonia, and sore throat, have increased, and everyone should take care of themselves and their children, keeping them warm.

He also added that 500 to 700 patients visit the Jawzjan Provincial Hospital daily, most of whom suffer from cold. He informed free medicines were provided to all these patients.

Patients satisfied with services at health centers

Gul Hawa, a resident of Khwaja Dokoh district in Jawzjan, said her two-year-old daughter contracted pneumonia and has been ill for several days without improvement.

She added,“Though we keep our house warm, yet our children fell ill. There is a health center in the district, and doctors work hard, but there are no advanced facilities to hospitalize our children. We've been here for almost seven days, and now the doctor says my daughter's condition is improving.”

Meanwhile, Zakia, another resident of the province, said her 14-year-old daughter is hospitalized at the Provincial Hospital and her condition is not improving.

She added,“My daughter has been in the hospital for three days. It started with a cough, and gradually she developed fever and persistent coughing. I tried home remedies, but it didn't help. Eventually, I brought her here, and her pain became severe, so she was hospitalized.”

She requested the Jawzjan Provincial Health Directorate to increase availability of health services in the province.

sa/ma

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