5 tips to remain healthy this Holi

Many of us will be playing Holi after gap on two years. This means that we are all looking forward to March 8. But this is also the exam time and students need to be careful lest they fall ill. Another set of people who need to be careful are the elderly and small kids.

Recently, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has identified influenza a subtype H3N2 as the primary cause of the increase in respiratory illnesses in India as a result of increased cases. According to the information provided by the ICMR, the ICMR/DHR has developed pan-respiratory virus surveillance throughout 30 VRDLs.

The surveillance data from December 15 to the present show an increase in influenza A H3N2 cases. It was discovered that H3N2 was a major contributor to almost 50 per cent of all inpatient diagnoses of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and outpatient diagnoses of influenza-like diseases, respectively.

Recently, on March 6, 2023, Apeejay Rhythms Kinderworld celebrated Phoolon ki Holi and Women’s Day. Little Rhythmites and their mothers danced and had a lot of fun as they played Holi with flowers. Ms Illi, wife of Indian Hockey Captain Mr Manpreet Singh graced the occasion. Kids were very enthusiastic about celebrating Holi with their friends and teachers.

---

Holi reflects the deeper themes in life – the joy of having friendships, the triumph of good over evil, the expression of positive emotions, and the strength to move on overcoming adversities

–Malkiat Singh, Principal of Apeejay School, Model Town

---

Malkiat Singh, Principal of Apeejay School, Model Town said: “The school has  innumerable reasons behind celebrating Holi, the most important one being that it is the expression of togetherness and acceptance. Holi reflects the deeper themes in life – the joy of having friendships, the triumph of good over evil, the expression of positive emotions, and the strength to move on overcoming adversities.”

According to Dr Saurabh Uppal, a Paediatric Endocrinologist in Jalandhar, who is the parent of a student from Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg: “Children are very sensitive to allergens in Holi colours. So parents should make sure they purchase standard quality products, preferably authentic organic. Applying a layer of emollient cream like Vaseline on the child’s skin can act as an additional protective barrier against allergens.”

---

Children are very sensitive to allergens in Holi colours. So parents should make sure they purchase standard quality products, preferably authentic organic. Applying a layer of emollient cream like Vaseline on the child’s skin can act as an additional protective barrier against allergens

–Dr Saurabh Uppal, Paediatric Endocrinologist & parent of a student from Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg  

---

Professor Dr SK Chhabra, Head of Department, Pulmonary, Primus Hospital, New Delhi said that skin and hair issues in the festival of colours are not going to be the only concern this year as a new virus H3N2 has been spreading all over India, due to the rapid shift in weather from cold to warmer temperatures. 

“The increase in the number of patients complaining of viral infections and chest congestion demonstrates how seasonal change is having a negative influence on people’s health. Pollution is also playing a significant influence in increasing the number of patients affected by viral diseases. With Holi coming into the picture, the elderly and children are among the most vulnerable to infection. As a result, they must exercise extreme caution while celebrating Holi Dr Chhabra opined.

Hence, even small respiratory problems must be reported to a pulmonologist or a physician to avoid the condition from worsening. Similar to seasonal flu virus H3N2, other viruses are also in circulation, including H1N1 and adenoviruses and these infections can cause fever, respiratory symptoms like cough and runny nose, as well as other symptoms including body aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea,” Dr Chhabra said.

Dr Navya Handa, Consultant Dermatologist and Cosmetologist at Primus Super Specialty Hospital suggests some useful tips like apply oil to your body and hair before playing Holi.

“One may use coconut or almond, or olive oil. In addition, you should apply a good sunscreen on your face and any exposed skin. It hydrates the skin and reduces the number of colours absorbed by the skin and hair. Tie your hair instead of keeping them open so that there is less space for chemicals to get to the scalp,” Dr Handa said.

Measures that will help prevent illness

1. Wash your hands frequently: Always and extensively clean your hands with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if neither is available.

2. Cover your coughs and sneezes: Use a tissue or your elbow to sneeze or cough into if you must expose others to your germs. Do a quick handwashing.

3.  Don’t touch your face unnecessarily: Don’t touch your face too much; that includes your eyes, nose, and mouth.

4.  Clean surfaces: Keep frequently touched surfaces clean to avoid picking up the virus from them and spreading it to your body.

5. Avoid crowd: If at all possible, avoid congested areas. Keep your distance from those who are ill.