Imagine the valley to be a bowl. The inversion layer acts like a lid and pollution is trapped within that layer. So, more than the change between hot and cold weather, it’s the accumulated pollution we see in Kathmandu that’s causing these health issues.
In a way, the rainy days we have been witnessing lately are good. It minimizes air pollution. As for the rapid change in temperature, it’s just that our body might take some time to adapt to the change. But this should not cause much health issues, unless you have weak immunity or have been drenched in rainwater. Some claim that they haven’t fully recovered from the cold for weeks. Everyone believes it’s because of the unstable weather. What do you think is the reason behind this? More than the weather itself, it’s the nature of the virus that prolongs the symptoms. We call that post-viral syndrome. There are two reasons for it: 1) The nature of viruses have changed in the past few years. 2) Lingering side effects of medication might make you feel weak and lethargic, which also comes under post-viral syndrome. A few years back, a viral infection could be cured within seven days. Now, it takes around 14 days. Although you might stop getting a fever, the other effects of this virus will not go away for around four to six weeks, unless you take proper medications. Weather changes only trigger the viral infection. What should we be aware of when it comes to these health issues and medications? We live in a country where anyone can buy antibiotics. And there are people who get the strongest dose possible and have it if they have any symptoms of cold. We should avoid doing that. You do not need medicines, unless your body shows warning signs like unusual headaches, high fever, lethargicness, etc. Even when you are displaying those signs, the first thing to do is go see a doctor, not have medicines that haven’t been professionally prescribed. If symptoms are mild, taking anti-allergens and steam should be enough. But do not add any kind of mentholated gels or oils (for example, Sancho). That will do more harm than good. Are people with existing respiratory conditions at more risk of developing illnesses due to weather change and pollution? Yes, people with existing respiratory conditions need to be more careful. Pollution in this season has a lot of pollen, which might worsen their health conditions. People with asthma, or anyone who is under heavy medications are at higher risk and in most cases, these individuals easily get infected with pneumonia. It’s the same for people with existing heart and kidney conditions. Pregnant individuals, anyone below five years, and above 65 years of age should also be careful. Also, many people take morning walks as a way of staying healthy. But it’s the morning and evening time when the air pollution is at its worst. It’s best to avoid going out between 5 and 10 in the morning, and after 3 in the evening. But that’s not possible all the time, but you could at least avoid crowds and wear a mask when you are outdoors. What other precautions can we take? A lot of people neglect the damage air pollution can do to one’s health. The pollution we see in Kathmandu is so harmful that it can even affect our bloodstream. So one should be wearing a mask not just as a Covid-19 precaution, but everytime they are outside. Secondly, avoid visiting hospitals unnecessarily. It’s one of the most infected places you can visit. If someone you love or know is admitted, call or leave a text. If you have a weak immunity, you are at risk of catching an infection. Also, viruses these days have a high transmission rate. You might have also noticed that if one family member gets infected, everyone falls sick within the next seven days. So try maintaining one meter distance from a sick person. And wear a mask whenever you are around a sick person. The best thing to do is get a flu shot, that not many are aware of. It will not prevent you from getting sick, but will help avoid the severity of the infection.
