As the cold season continues in most parts of the country, doctors at the Kiambu district hospital have advised residents to dress warmly and eat healthy.
Dr James Gichuki from the hospital said this is to reduce pneumonia and respiratory tract infections.
He said: “The change in weather mainly affects the elderly and children. This is because they are prone to infections and the viruses which thrive in the cold season.
“The cold season in the county is characterised by long queues at the hospital. The patients are suffering from pneumonia and respiratory tract infections mostly.”
He urged the residents to eat healthy foods, especially those rich in proteins and vitamins to help boost the body’s immunity and rebuild worn out tissues.
“Eating a balanced diet helps to keep the body warm and this applies to all. Anybody can be infected due to exposure to cold weather,” Gichuki added.
He also advised people experiencing symptoms such as chest pains, low fever, sore throat, muscle aches, dry coughs and elongated lymph nodes in the neck to visit the hospital early enough for diagnosis and treatment.
He said the hospital had enough antibiotics to treat the infections although the cases are expected to reduce as the cold period comes to an end.