Srinagar, Nov 08: Amid the continuous dry spell in Jammu and Kashmir, doctors on Friday said respiratory illnesses surge as the cold weather fuels the spread of the virus. They have advised people to take extra precautions to avoid falling victim to cold-weather-related infections.
Dr Suhail Naik, Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics Children Hospital Srinagar said during winter months the circulation of many respiratory viruses, including the influenza virus increases due to cold and dry weather conditions.
“These viruses are often more stable in low humidity and are better able to survive in the environment, which means they can remain infectious for longer periods and be more easily transmitted,” he said.
Dr Suhail further said cold air can impair the function of immune cells in the respiratory tract, making it easier for viruses to cause infections and less efficient at clearing them. “As a result of these combined factors, the winter months generally see a rise in cases of respiratory illnesses, often culminating in what is referred to as seasonal flu,” he said.
The senior doctor said preventive measures such as warm clothing, hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected individuals become critical in reducing the spread of these viruses.
Dr Masood Rashid, Critical Care Expert J&K Health Department, said that the flu vaccine is recommended in high-risk groups. “Early morning walks should be avoided by the elderly. They need to keep themselves warm and ensure adequate hydration. Kehwa and warm water is good,” he advised.
Dr Masood said viral infections are self-limiting and those affected need to rest and maintain a good diet. “It rarely needs antiviral medicine. People should avoid self-medication with antibiotics. Paracetamol is sufficient for febrile viral illness usually,” he said.
Doctors say due to cold the chances of hypertension, diabetes, blood pressure, and respiratory infections like flues increase as there is less activity in winter months.
“Many patients suffer from lung diseases, COPD, asthma and all these diseases aggregate during cold either because of increase in the rate of infection or cold,” Dr Masood said.
He said that during winter, people tend to eat more and engage in fewer activities due to the cold, which can worsen certain health conditions. Such cases are more common in winter than in summer.
“People should adjust their dietary habits in winter, opting for low-salt and low-sugar diets,” he advised. “Proper medication should be followed, and elderly individuals and children should avoid going outside unnecessarily during the early morning and evening hours.”
Dr Sheikh Mohd Saleem, Public Health Expert, said winter poses several safety concerns for people. Recognising and avoiding dangers is critical to healthy health, he said.
“Protein-rich foods might help you feel more energised. Proteins aid information of tissues and bones and the stimulation of the body’s metabolism. Having lots of meat, poultry food, dairy products, nuts and seeds on hand may feed you with proteins while also keeping you warm during the winter,” he said.
