Surge in Seasonal Illnesses Reported
With the onset of seasonal changes in Jhelum and its surrounding areas, local hospitals have reported a sharp increase in cases of cough, fever, flu, and throat infections. Health experts say the transition between warm and cooler weather has made many residents—especially children—vulnerable to respiratory illnesses.
Every day, dozens of patients suffering from persistent cough and breathing difficulties are arriving at hospitals. The growing number of cases has prompted doctors to issue public health advisories urging families to follow preventive measures.
Doctors Attribute Rise to Climate Shifts
According to Dr. Fawad Majeed Chaudhry, a senior medical specialist at the District Headquarters Hospital Jhelum, the impact of climate change is becoming increasingly visible across Pakistan. He noted that fluctuating temperatures and inconsistent rainfall patterns — recently highlighted in thunderstorms and rain forecast across parts of Pakistan — have contributed to a rise in seasonal viral infections.
People of all ages are being affected, but children are the most vulnerable, Dr. Chaudhry said. As the weather changes, taking proper precautions becomes crucial to prevent illness.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change has previously warned that the country is among the world’s most vulnerable to extreme weather patterns. These shifts not only affect agriculture and livelihoods but also public health, as viruses spread more easily in unstable weather conditions.
Medical Experts Advise Preventive Care
Dr. Chaudhry emphasized that parents must ensure their children avoid cold and sour foods, as these can irritate the throat and trigger symptoms like cough, fever, and flu. He advised families to seek immediate medical attention rather than relying on home remedies or self-medication, which may worsen the condition.
He also urged parents to keep their children warm, especially during early mornings and evenings, when temperature drops are more pronounced. Timely treatment and preventive care can help avoid complications and hospital admissions, he added.
Cleanliness and Nutrition Key to Immunity
Doctors have further recommended maintaining clean and hygienic homes, avoiding exposure to cold winds, and providing balanced, nutritious meals to strengthen children’s immune systems.
Public health officials in Jhelum are also monitoring the situation closely. They have called for increased awareness campaigns in schools and communities to educate residents about seasonal infections and basic hygiene practices such as handwashing, mask use, and proper ventilation indoors.
As temperatures continue to fluctuate across northern Pakistan, health experts warn that the coming weeks could see a further spike in respiratory and throat-related illnesses unless preventive actions are widely adopted.
