It is December and yet the weather gods are playing hide and seek. The climate in mumbai is still hot and recently there have been a few rain showers too. What is happening with our seasons? For the last few weeks, the city witnessed a sudden fluctuation in temperature and air quality. This is negatively affecting everyone’s health.
The sudden climate change has led to an increase in complaints about respiratory illnesses and viral infections. The fluctuation in temperature makes it ideal for viruses to spread. There are many complaints for bronchitis, chronic pulmonary diseases and other respiratory infections. Since most infections are viral in nature, transmission of the infection is air-borne and affects the nasal and throat cavities. Some patients also require hospitalizations for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. This climate change harms more people with low immunity like the elderly, young children and pregnant women. The heat, air pollution as well the humidity in the air are making more and more people sick.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- People suffering from breathing difficulties must use a surgical mask.
- Drink more and more so that you do not feel dehydration and giddiness.
- Eat plenty vegetables.
- Start your day with exercise.
- Stay away from highly polluted areas.
- Choose parks for your morning walk to get fresh air from the trees.
Maintain a healthy intake of fruits to get your dose of Vitamin C and B complex to boost your immunity.
Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and/or sneezing so you do not spread the infection to others.
If you continue experiencing dryness in your throat and nose take steam inhalation.
Climate Change Impact
There are significant impacts of climate change in the form of changing weather pattern, rising sea levels, melting of glaciers, forest fires, changing precipitation patterns and more extreme weather events. It leads to flash floods, tsunami, earthquakes and many such natural disasters.
Climate change also gives rise to many water borne illnesses. This is because climate change increases precipitation, sea temperatures and causes flooding too. This increases the chances of contaminated water that may cause many diseases like typhoid, diarrhoea or cholera.
Let us all act responsibly and take small steps to save our environment. Let us plant more trees, save fuel, water and all sources of energy as well as adapt a sustainable lifestyle.