Overview
- Indian doctors link severe winter pollution to weakened lung defenses and higher vulnerability to pneumococcal and viral respiratory infections.
- Recent advisories highlight WHO and CDC guidance for pneumococcal and influenza shots for children under five, adults 50 and older, and people with chronic illnesses.
- Clinicians report that cough and breathlessness from dirty air can mimic infection, delaying diagnosis and appropriate care.
- Experts caution against unnecessary broad‑spectrum antibiotics for pollution‑related symptoms, citing growing antimicrobial resistance in pneumonia pathogens.
- Recommended measures include N95 masking, staying indoors during peak pollution, improving indoor air quality, maintaining hygiene, and managing chronic conditions, with WHO also urging stronger primary care and oxygen access.