H3N2 Virus: Many areas of the country have already started to celebrate Holi, and preparations for the festival’s special food menu, which includes gujiya, malpua, kheer, and dahi vada, as well as shopping for gulal, abeer, and pichkari, are well under way. While the purpose of Holi is to put away your daily stress and enjoy the joyous and colourful atmosphere of the celebration, a new virus called H3N2 has raised concerns in India due to its rapid growth. Hence, it’s crucial to take care of your skin and hair while attending the festival, as well as to practise social isolation to avoid contracting any infections. You should see a doctor and start taking treatment if you get any of the following symptoms: fever, respiratory symptoms including a cough and runny nose, body aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea.
Dermatologists suggest measures to prevent skin and hair damage from Holi colours
This year’s festival of colours will not only raise concerns about skin and hair problems; the quick transition from cold to warmer weather has caused a new virus, H3N2, to spread throughout India. Seasonal shift is detrimental to people’s health, as seen by the rise in patients complaining of viral illnesses and chest congestion. The number of people suffering from viral infections is rising significantly as a result of pollution. The elderly, children, and pregnant women are the groups most at risk for illness as Holi approaches. They are therefore need to celebrate Holi with great caution. Apart from asthmatic patients, there are many additional individuals who have serious lung infections and are having difficulty breathing they need to be extra careful as they can inhale the colours which can cause serious harm to their health,” says Dr. SK Chhabra, Head of Department – Pulmonary, Primus Hospital, New Delhi.
Pollution and seasonal changes contribute to the spread of viral infections during Holi
“Even minor respiratory issues must be addressed to a pulmonologist or doctor during Holi to prevent the situation from getting worse. H1N1 and adenoviruses, which are also in circulation and can cause fever, respiratory symptoms like cough and runny nose, as well as other symptoms like body aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, are viruses that are similar to the seasonal flu virus H3N2 and are currently in the community “Dr. SK Chhabra adds.
Effective skincare routine for a safer and healthier Holi experience
Considering difficulties with the skin and hair Some helpful advice is offered by Dr. Navya Handa, Consultant Dermatology and Cosmetologist at Primus Super Specialty Hospital. She advises applying oil to your body and hair a few hours prior to participating in Holi. You can use coconut, almond, or olive oil. “You should also cover any exposed skin, including your face, with a quality sunscreen. It moisturises the skin and lessens the amount of colours the skin and hair absorb. To make it harder for toxins to reach the scalp, tie your hair up rather than leaving it exposed “Dr. Handa explains.
Must Read: Prime Minister Modi, President and other leaders across India extend warm wishes on Holi 2023
Actions To Take During Holidays To Prevent The Rise Of The Flu
- Wash your hands frequently: If soap and water are not available, thoroughly clean your hands using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes: If you absolutely must spread your germs to others, use a tissue or your elbow. Wash your hands quickly.
- Avoid touching your face excessively: this rule applies to your eyes, nose, and mouth as well.
- Keep touched surfaces clean to prevent catching the virus from them and transferring it to your body.
- Avoid crowd: If as all possible, avoid busy regions. Stay away from people who are ill. If you are at a high risk of having flu-related issues due to your age (younger than 5 or 65 or older), your health, or any other reason, you should avoid swine barns during seasonal fairs and elsewhere (pregnant or have a chronic illness like asthma).
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