Srinagar : As the ‘walking pneumonia’ scare has raised its head in China, the people globally and in Kashmir valley alike are caught in a frenzy with most of the people due to psychosis or less knowledge seeing it as a reminiscent of Covid19.
However, valley’s top Pulmonologist Naveed Nazir Shah has played down the severity of the infection, urging people to take precautionary measures to protect themselves from all the pathogens leading to respiratory tract infections.
Talking to GNS, Naveed Nazir Shah said that the Pneumonia which is being reportedly in china is infecting predominantly children said pathogens causing it are being ascertained and may b strains of influenza are responsible for it.
Though any age group can get infected, the children are nonetheless more prone to the infection”, Dr. Naveed said.
The symptoms of the infection, the known Pulmonologist says include persistent cough and fever, sore throat and is leading to extended symptoms .
“It is a normal flu-like condition where the patient may feel down as with any viral infection in the respiratory tract”, says Dr. Naveed.
Asked about the necessary precautions, Dr. Naveed Shah that people need to take general measures like putting masks on their faces, washing hands with soap or sanitizer every time they touch any soiled surface, covering one’s face while coughing or sneezing and drinking properly boiled water.
“The best way to prevent the different respiratory infections is to isolate the person who has any type of symptoms as all family members tend to sit in same room to maintain warmth from the cold conditions ”, Dr. Naveed said.
Notably, in response to the evolving public health situation in China, the Union Health Ministry of India has taken a proactive stance by initiating a comprehensive review of preparedness measures against respiratory illnesses. The health ministry has already issued advisories to all states and Union territories, urging them to immediately reassess and reinforce public health and hospital preparedness measures. (GNS)
