Srinagar: The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) has issued a public advisory ahead of the winter season, urging people to get vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia, avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of seasonal illnesses.
The advisory, issued by the Department of Internal and Pulmonary Medicine, said respiratory viral infections become more common during the fall and winter months, while cold weather can aggravate chronic conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular diseases and certain neurological disorders.
SKIMS advised people to protect themselves from cold weather by wearing multiple layers of clothing, limiting exposure to freezing temperatures and covering their nose and mouth while outdoors. It also stressed the importance of maintaining good hygiene, frequent handwashing and avoiding crowded places where infections can spread more easily.
The institute urged people to stay hydrated, engage in regular indoor physical activity and take precautions against falls on icy and slippery surfaces by using proper footwear and walking through well-lit areas.
The advisory also highlighted the importance of adequate sleep and stress management, recommending seven to nine hours of sleep daily. It noted that stress and anxiety can trigger seizures in some individuals and worsen overall health during winter.
SKIMS laid special emphasis on vaccination, advising people to get immunised against influenza and pneumonia to reduce the risk of respiratory infections. The institute also asked patients with hypertension and other chronic illnesses to continue taking prescribed medicines regularly and monitor their health conditions closely.
Asthma and COPD patients were advised to strictly follow their treatment plans during flare-ups and carry rescue inhalers if prescribed by their doctors.
The institute cautioned people against smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke and advised against strenuous outdoor activities during severe cold conditions. It also recommended safe use of space heaters, proper ventilation inside homes and measures to prevent excessive indoor dryness.
Warning against self-medication, SKIMS said antibiotics should not be used indiscriminately for seasonal illnesses, as most winter respiratory infections are viral in nature and do not respond to antibiotics. Unnecessary use of antibiotics, it said, contributes to antimicrobial resistance, a growing public health concern.
Warning signs
The institute urged people to seek immediate medical attention if they experience worsening cough, increased breathlessness, fever accompanied by a fall in oxygen saturation or symptoms that are not adequately controlled with routine medication.
It said left-sided chest pain accompanied by worsening breathlessness should be treated as a medical emergency as it could indicate a heart attack.
Similarly, sudden weakness of an arm or leg, facial drooping, difficulty in speaking or disturbances in gait may signal a stroke and require urgent hospital care, the advisory said.
Guidance on home oxygen
SKIMS said home oxygen support may be considered when oxygen saturation falls below 88 per cent on a pulse oximeter, with a target saturation level of 89-92 per cent as advised by healthcare professionals.
The institute urged the public, particularly vulnerable groups and those suffering from chronic respiratory, cardiovascular and neurological conditions, to remain vigilant during the winter months and follow preventive measures to stay healthy.
