Doctors suggest moderate usage of AC
John Pasapala
Hyderabad
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an alert that there is a possibility of moderate to heavy rainfall in the city over the coming weekend. Though the unseasonal showers could bring a short break from scorching summer heat, city-based doctors believe that they could cause a spike in the ongoing fever wave in the city.
The city is experiencing high numbers of H3N2 Influenza flu infections right now with Fever Hospital in Nallakunta recording over 120 patients every day. Doctors caution the public that change in weather could worsen the fevers and call for lifestyle changes to tackle the viral fevers.
Dr J Anish Anand, Consultant Internal Medicine, Apollo Hospitals, said, “Sudden changes in weather will give rise to spurt in diseases like diarrhea, cold and fever due to viral infections, rise in asthma cases and bronchitis. People should be careful not to get wet in rain, wear warm clothes and personal hygiene like washing hands should be maintained. Vulnerable groups are elderly and children. One has to look out for dull feelings, fever, loose motions, lack of apetite, weakness, breathlessness, etc. People should protect themselves from the weather by wearing warm clothes and not getting wet.”
Doctors further emphasised that the weather changes are not solely responsible for people falling sick. Dr Naresh from Gandhi Hospital said, “While the weather change could cause people to fall sick, what is causing more damage is staying in air-conditioned rooms in contrast with high temperatures outside. When people do not maintain a balanced temperature inside and try to use AC in very low temperatures, it will create sudden shocks to the body. The same could be with weather changes. Your body feels stressed to constantly adapt to changes in temperature.”
“It could cause body pains, weakness, drowsiness, headaches, indigestion and other symptoms. People who work in offices or stay in homes with ACs should avoid falling on the AC line directly. Do not keep the AC on for prolonged periods, because, even if it shows the same temperature, your body temperature drops eventually from continuous exposure. This is also a reason for viral fevers right now, it weakens the body.”
The doctor further added that rains could make it easier for viruses like influenza and even Covid to spread and suggested to people to wear masks and maintain social distance.
