Cases of respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, and influenza have increased in the last few weeks because of dry season and less humidity is becoming perfect breeding grounds for viruses in winters.
Influenza expert and President Doctors Association of Kashmir Dr Nisar Ul Hassan told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that four viruses including H3N2, H1N1 and two B viruses are circulating this year with H3N2 more dominant causing more severity.
He suggested people to get vaccinated and take precautions such as consulting doctors faced with breathing issues, staying home when sick, avoiding gatherings and maintaining personal hygiene.
“Winter is the time for these respiratory viruses because they have a peculiarity and they thrive and get activated in cold,” Dr Nisar added.
Another Doctor from Children’s Hospital Bemina said that the number of patients with respiratory viruses have increased in the past few weeks and is expected to increase further if the dry spell continues.
He said that though there is no need to worry, people must take precautions.
The doctor said that the dry spell can aggravate the condition of patients who are already suffering from respiratory ailments but they need precautions as they should not get exposed to cold especially in morning hours—(KNO)
