Heatstroke, seasonal diseases on rise amid intense heat, health expert urges precautions

RAWALPINDI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Jun, 2026) The risk of heatstroke and seasonal diseases has increased in Rawalpindi due to a continuous rise in temperatures, with cases of dehydration, gastrointestinal infections and other heat-related illnesses being reported.

Health experts have warned that even minor negligence during extreme heat can lead to serious medical complications, urging citizens to adopt precautionary measures.

Talking to APP, medical specialist Dr Hassan Tahir said a noticeable increase had been observed in patients suffering from heatstroke, dehydration, low blood pressure, fainting, dizziness, heat exhaustion, vomiting, diarrhoea and other stomach-related ailments at public and private hospitals.

He said that most of the affected individuals were those exposed to prolonged sunlight or those not consuming adequate amounts of water.

Dr Hassan said elderly people, children, pregnant women and patients suffering from heart disease, diabetes, kidney issues and hypertension were more vulnerable to the adverse effects of heat, requiring special care.

He added that deficiency of water and essential salts in the body could lead to complications such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

He advised citizens to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities between 11am and 4pm, and to take protective measures if going out, including covering the head with a cap or umbrella, wearing light-coloured loose cotton clothes and carrying water.

He recommended regular intake of water, oral rehydration salts (ORS), lemonade and other healthy drinks to prevent dehydration.

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He further advised labourers, traffic police personnel, drivers and others working under the sun to take regular breaks in shaded areas, avoid excessive physical exertion and ensure adequate hydration.

Parents were also urged to keep children away from direct sunlight and ensure they stay in cool environments.

Dr Hassan warned that high temperatures could cause food to spoil quickly, increasing the risk of food poisoning, diarrhoea and vomiting. He advised citizens to avoid stale and unhygienic food, consume fresh and clean meals, wash fruits and vegetables properly, and use safe drinking water.

He said that in case of symptoms such as severe dizziness, unconsciousness, high fever, unusually high body temperature, hot and dry skin, extreme weakness, confusion or breathing difficulty, the affected person should be immediately moved to a cool and shaded place, excess clothing loosened, cold water applied or wet cloths placed on the body, and shifted to the nearest hospital without delay.

He warned that heatstroke could prove fatal if not treated in time.

The health expert urged citizens to adjust their daily routines according to the weather, increase water intake and seek timely medical consultation in case of any symptoms to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.

He also appealed to the public to take special care of their families, particularly the elderly and children, and to follow precautionary measures during the ongoing heatwave to stay safe from heatstroke and seasonal diseases.