Secret danger: Swine flu can get a fillip on Holi

Congregating, hugging, throwing water, rubbing colours, sharing food and drinks are part of the Holi festivities but all these things which make the festival special could actually give a boost to the number of swine flu cases.

The medical experts are of the opinion that Holi involves all those things which are on ‘Do not’ list for preventing the disease. To make the matter worse, the department of meteorology has made a forecast of rainfall on Holi. Decrease in temperature gives a spurt in number of swine flu cases as the virus starts multiplying.

The medical experts suggest that people should avoid close contact with each other during Holi celebrations. Senior Physician, Dr Pravin Panwar said that the people with symptoms like sneezing and running nose and fever should remain indoors during the festival.

He said that the difference between day and night temperatures is quite high due to which people tend to catch the viral infection more.

The physician suggested regular washing of hands and gargles of warm saline water to prevent the infection.  

The experts are of the view that people should avoid congregating during the festival and advised use of natural colours in Holi instead of water and synthetic colours.