Delhi’s Maladies: How harsh winters, high pollution are making people sick

Delhi is experiencing both a harsh winter season and high levels of pollution.Due to this toxic combination, cases of the flu, especially H1N1 infections, are on the rise among the elderly and those with co-morbidities.Other complications like respiratory and heart-related problems are also seeing a surge in Delhi-NCR.Doctors attending to the patients explain that common infections in winter can take a long time to heal, especially in children and the elderly, and cause complications.Here’s all we know about it.Rising cases of chest infections and flu in Delhi-NCRThe H1N1 flu, sometimes called swine flu, is a type of Influenza A virus.It is highly contagious and spreads from one person to another through coughs, sneezes, and droplets in the air. Doctors say you can get the infection when you breathe in the virus or touch a contaminated surface, according to Times Now.Adults recover from severe cases in three to four days, while elderly patients may need a week or longer in the hospital.Doctors pin the blame for longer hospital stays on the complex interaction between flu and bacterial infections.The majority of patient reports have included symptoms including runny nose, sneezing, coughing, breathlessness, throat pain, fever with rash, sore throat, and diarrhoea, as per Indian Express.According to News18, hospitalisation was necessary for some individuals in the National Capital who complained of breathing problems and discomfort.In most hospitals in Delhi-NCR, COVID-19 tests are also performed for inpatients, even though flu symptoms are similar.Patients have also reported other complications like influenza, colds, norovirus infections, hypothermia, frostbite, seasonal affective disorder (a form of depression), asthma, respiratory problems, heart-related problems, and joint pains, as per Times Now.Experts opinionDr Manisha Arora, the unit director of internal medicine, at Delhi's Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, told News18 that the outpatient department handles 12 to 15 flu cases every day, with one-third of those cases necessitating admission owing to a confirmed H1N1 infection.“The focus is on treating confirmed positive cases, with seniors — often with comorbidities — experiencing super-added infections requiring oxygen support,” she added.According to her, while adults heal relatively quickly, underlying medical conditions take longer to heal in the elderly. These conditions are made worse by such infections during the winter, as it increases the risk of chest infections and hypertension.Similarly, there has been a rebound in H1N1, H3N2, and common influenza among viral diseases, according to Dr Sakshi Singh, consultant in the department of internal medicine at Amrita Hospital Faridabad in Faridabad.“In cold weather, similar health issues arise. But viral illnesses affecting different health systems have risen in incidences. Along with the rise in pollution and bad air quality, they have been contributing to health risks,” she told the news channel.Singh from Amrita Hospitals blamed the weather and dipping mercury. “As the weather gets colder and there is an increase in chilly winds, there are certain health issues that have risen.”She said issues such as colds, coughs, upper respiratory infections, exacerbation in respiratory patients, and new virus illnesses in children, the elderly, and immuno-compromised patients have increased in number.“Flaring up of joints issues, certain viral disorders, and gastric infections are also on the rise. Also, an increase is noted in hypertensive and cardiac conditions and stroke cases.”While speaking to Indian Express, Dr Nikhil Modi, Senior Consultant in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, explained that adequate rest is as important as medication.He said, “We are so used to taking drugs that many people do not realise that adequate rest is as much therapy as a medication is. If you push yourself too soon after any viral infection, there could be a worsening of symptoms with those with still weakened or compromised lungs lapsing into pneumonia."Ways to prevent H1N1The best defence against H1N1, according to experts, is to receive the annual flu vaccination, which is safe for children older than six months.Additional measures to stop the swine flu from spreading are as follows:

• When you cough or sneeze, use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose.
• Use your elbow to sneeze or cough if you don't have a tissue.
• Frequently, wash your hands with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your lips, nose, or eyes.
• Don't approach sick people closely.
• When you're sick, stay at home.
• Don't exchange personal goods like hairbrushes, shirts, or spoons.

With inputs from agencies