Temperatures in Dehradun have already starting crossing 37 degrees Celsius. The rising heat is also accompanied with increase in various health problems. Typhoid, jaundice, measles, mumps, gastroenteritis and skin rashes are the most common afflictions during summer.
“Micro-organisms multiply faster during summer season due to which the frequency of diseases increases,” says pediatrician Dr latika Joshi. Unhygienic food, contaminated water and unhygienic habits are the major causes of the spread of infectious diseases. Dr. Joshi advises.
“Care should be taken to immunise children to prevent diseases. MMR, hepatitis, typhoid and rotavirus vaccines are available easily and should be administered to children,” she said, while adding that as infections are liable to spread in crowded places one should take care of personal hygiene especially after returning from a crowded place.
Consultant physician and cardiologist, Dr Gopaljee Sharma says, “Food from unhygienic places and uncovered eatables should be avoided. Cooked food should be consumed immediately as it breeds viruses and bacteria if kept for long.” He pointed out that heat-stroke is also another common problem during summer. “Staying outdoors for long hours can cause heat-stroke. labourers are prone to heat-stroke as they have to work under the sun. Sun should be avoided between 12 noon and 2:00 pm as the sun rays are direct during these hours.” “Mosquitoes and houseflies breed during summer season and they should be kept away as much as possible as they are carriers of various infectious diseases like malaria, dengue and cholera. Mosquito repellents should be used and surroundings should be kept clean,” he added.
Dr Shivani Shourie, Chief Medical Superintendent, CMI Hospital says, “One should take fluids as much as possible to prevent dehydration.
Staying out in the sun causes dehydration which leads to fatigue and loss of work efficiency. A balanced diet and proper intake of fluids can prevent this.” She also emphasised on basic hygienic habits such as washing ones hands before meals, bathing daily and wearing clean clothes.