Cases of ‘walking pneumonia’ on rise amid pollution levels

New Delhi: Delhiites got a relief from blanketing smog; despite this, the air quality of the city is still in the’sever’ plus category, affecting health, especially children and the elders. The crisis has increased the rush in the hospitals; many people are suffering from respiratory and lung diseases due to surging pollution levels. Numerous patients have to be hospitalized amid the seriousness of their ailments.

The cases of “walking pneumonia” are on the rise. This disease can spread owing to the coughing and sneezing of an infected person and someone else breathing in those respiratory droplets then the chances of infection increased. The infection has been spreading in the crowded areas, causing mild infections, but in some cases it may be severe. It is often diagnosed by a physical exam or an X-ray.

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Meanwhile, the air quality index (AQI) improved slightly on Friday, but the condition is still unsatisfactory, with particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) being the prominent pollutant, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The AQI of the city was so poor in the last 15 days, forcing authorities to switch schools to online mode and urging them to follow the control measures strictly.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, 401 and 450 severe, and above 450 severe-plus. Delhi and NCR regions have hit the headlines across the world for the last three weeks amid ‘severe’ plus air quality.