With the prolonged winter season, common cold-related diseases across the country climbed higher this year compared to those in previous years. Experts, however, assured that there is nothing to be worried about, as in maximum cases patients are cured on their own.
The number of people suffering from various winter-related diseases is increasing gradually across the country. In all, the number of victims exceeded 521,384 while 61 died in the last 108 days, according to Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) data.
Government data show the number of winter disease-infected people is higher this year compared to those in previous four years. In 2015-2016 fiscal year, 17,359 people were infected with winter diseases and 38 died while in the following year the numbers of infected people and deaths were 61,564 and 11 respectively. In 2017-18, 114,067 people were infected and 20 died as against 86,759 and 11 respectively in 2018-19.
And this fiscal, from November until now, the number of infected people stood at 521,384 and 61 people died. Of the total, 87,760 people are suffering from respiratory infections, 56,560 from cold diarrhea, and 227,028 from cold-related diseases. Principal Scientific Officer at the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) Dr ASM Alamgir told The Bangladesh Post that, “These all are common cold diseases. Patients recover on their own in maximum cases.”
Citing there is nothing to be panic, he said, “As the day and night temperature is slightly changing, people are sufferings from cold-related diseases. Respiratory diseases and diarrhea are common forms of illness. People may suffer from cold and flu and respiratory diseases.”
Dr Ayesha Akter, Assistant Director at the DGHS Health Emergency Operation Centre and Control Room, told The Bangladesh Post as winter continued for a long time this year, common cold-related diseases increased across the country. “Every day we are receiving information in this regard from the district and upazila levels. Each year from November to March, common cold-related diseases increased across the country,” she said.
Doctors recommend taking plenty of rest and drinking fluids to cure the cold and flu, at the same time they also advised keeping the house clean, avoiding dust, using tissue paper or handkerchief as protection while sneezing.
