Seasonal illnesses set to rise; Health officials urge precautions

After a brief respite, seasonal ailments are all set to surge in Hyderabad and its surrounding regions due to changing weather conditions, public health officials have warned. With the drop in mercury levels and prevalence of chilly weather conditions during night and early part of the day, doctors have urged people to start taking basic precautions to avoid going down with sickness in the coming weeks.

Post-Covid pandemic, the winter season from November to initial part of the year provides ideal conditions for the surge in cases of influenza, upper respiratory tract infections, lung diseases and viral fevers in Hyderabad. A large section of the population also struggle with allergies during winter but they continue to suffer due to lack of awareness about its treatment. The winter in Hyderabad is also triggers fresh bouts of Asthma during winters.

According to Allergy and Asthma Network of India (AANI), winters are known to cause a 40 per cent rise in cases of allergies. A majority of these allergies are related to upper respiratory tract infections, doctors said.

“During winters, up to 80 per cent of allergic reactions are caused due to house dust mite and moulds. Essentially, during winter airways of the lungs tighten, resulting in more aggressive unpredictable Asthmatic attacks,” says CEO of AANI and allergy specialist, Dr. Vyakaranam Nageshwar.

Just like last year, seasonal diseases experts are also anticipating a surge in cases of swine flu (H1N1), influenza and viral fevers



during this winter. Typical instances of individuals struggling with seasonal flu and upper respiratory tract infections impacting nose, swelling of upper airways with associated cough with no fever or pneumonia among children and adults are expected to rise in Hyderabad, doctors warned.

High risk groups including pregnant women, children and elderly with co-morbid conditions can get their annual influenza vaccine shot after consulting with qualified doctor. It would be better for such individuals to wear a mask, in case they are venturing out.

Ways to improve immunity during winter:

• Take one table spoon of sugar-free Chyavanprash in the morning

• Herbal tea with Tulsi, Dalchini, Kalimirch, Shnthi (dry ginger) once or twice a day

• Instead of sugar, natural jaggery or fresh lemon juice can be added for taste

• Mix turmeric (Haldi) with hot milk powder once or twice a day to beat

• Prefer warm water in case of cold

• Spice like Haldi, Jeera, Dhaniya, Lahsun can be added to the diet

How to bear Allergy and Asthma:

• Ensure windows and doors are closed to prevent chill breeze flowing in.

• Do not use your rugs or bed sheets for more than 15 days and wash them in hot water.

• Avoid getting up from bed in the early morning without socks and wear rubber footwear.

• Walking barefoot after waking up in a cold morning triggers sneezing.

• Don’t discontinue inhalers and tablets.