ISLAMABAD: As weather is changing, the number of patients, especially kids, suffering from viral diseases such as flu, chest infection and pneumonia have increased during the last one week.

According to the doctors, the current weather change is the cause of viral infections, especially chest infection and fever, in rural and urban parts of the country. Flu-related diseases have caught a huge number of people, particularly children and infants, as patients with such diseases are seen in a great number at government as well as private hospitals.

In an interview with private news channel, Dr Amna Solangi said that common cold and flu in children should not be taken lightly as these might lead to lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia. She stressed the need to take additional care of the health of children in winter.

Dr Solangi said that the parents should dress their children in warm clothes. “I also advise the parents not to overheat the children and just put sweater and warm cloths. as sometimes overheating is also not good for them.”

She said that one of the basic causes of various diseases is that people do not know how to safeguard the children. If proper care was not taken, complications such as ear and sinus infections, pneumonia and high fever might occur, she added.

A child specialist Dr. Waheed Faisal said that severe cold and dry air may cause respiratory tract infections and as well trigger asthma among the people of all age groups.

“It is need of the time to create awareness among public regarding protection from infections,” he said. Physician said that the people should use green tea, coffee and tea to avoid viral infections.