Breathing in clean air is crucial for good health, but many areas worldwide are polluted. Indian regions ranked six of the top 10 most polluted cities in 2022. Areport by Air Quality Life Index found that high levels of pollution or particles in the air (like smoke, dust, and more) can reduce an average person’s life span in India by 5.3 years, compared to what they could have had if the air quality met the World Health Organization’s guidelines. High concentrations of certain air pollutants also increase the likelihood of respiratory infections like influenza or the flu. Air pollution, causing environmental health issues like dust and smoke in summer and fog in winter, is a growing concern. Health experts are highlighting the link between poor air quality and respiratory issues, prompting action and implementing steps for public health. Dr. JejoeKarankumar, Medical Affairs Director, Abbott India commented, “It’s important to raise awareness about the steps people can take to protect themselves against infections like flu, especially at a time when its cases are rising. Preventive care is important, and it’s vital for more people, especially those at risk, to get their yearly flu vaccination for greater protection.”
Poor air quality increases the risk of developing viral infections like the flu in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest pain due to harmful pollutants and respiratory system damage. Flu affects all ages, especially children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with health conditions. Children are more sensitive to pollutants, and parents should protect them with immunization. Dr. Raja Dhar, Director & HOD of CMRI Hospital Kolkata’s Department of Pulmonology, highlighted that poor air quality and increased particulate matter density exacerbate asthma and COPD, increasing the risk of airway diseases in both children and adults.
This leads to increased school and work days missed, with a 30% increase in admissions from this disease between November and February in eastern India. Symptoms like breathlessness and cough are common among those with asthma. Dr. Raja Dhar said, “There’s been a roughly 50% increase in reported cases of influenza-like illnesses over the last 4 months. Polluted air can also make someone feel worse when they have the flu. It’s important for people to protect themselves. They can do this by taking preventive measures like masking up when outdoors or staying indoors when air quality is poor, adopting good hygiene practices like washing one’s face and hands after being outside, and getting vaccinated against influenza to avoid infection. Consult your doctor to make surethat you the get right vaccination regimen and appropriate doses.”Good hygiene, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle are crucial for immunity and lung health. Indoor exercises during peak pollution periods, wearing masks outdoors, and seeking medical attention are essential for maintaining overall well-being.
