In the city of Karachi, a virus called Adenovirus, or ADV, is causing a lot of problems. What is causing the virus to spread is changes in the weather and dirty air in the city.
Many sick people have symptoms like headaches, colds, coughs and fevers. Some also have diarrhoea. Health workers say over a thousand people have these symptoms every day.
Dr Harish Kumar from Civil Hospital said these illnesses have been more common in the last 15 to 20 days. When patients come in feeling sick they are given medicines to feel better. The hot afternoons, colder nights, changes in the weather and dirty air are causing more people to get sick.
Even though many patients complain about feeling sick, their blood pressure is normal. The fever from this virus can last for about a week. Doctor Kumar advised people to drink boiled water, wear masks, and avoid eating junk food.
Most of the sickness is viral, but some are caused by bacteria, said the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Abdul Latif Shaikh. In fact, diarrhoea is also more common now because of dirty water. Patients’ kidneys can be harmed by diarrhoea.
Dr. Faisal Javed, a doctor from Jinah Hospital, said that this is not a new virus. People can get vaccinated to prevent the virus. Those with problems like diabetes or asthma must be extra careful. He also suggested maintaining distance from others and wearing masks.
