Srinagar, Nov 18 (KNO): Doctors Association Kashmir
(DAK) on Friday has warned of possible triple virus threat
this winter.
“We could be facing a triple virus whammy of Covid, Flu
and RSV this winter,” said DAK President and influenza
expert Dr Nisar ul Hassan in a statement issued to the
news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
“All three of these viruses are expected to go up as we get
into the cold season,” he said. “The season is already off
to a rough start with respiratory illnesses spiking across
Kashmir valley.”
Dr Hassan said flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
are not new. “We see them every year during winter
months. RSV particularly affects young children. But in the
last two seasons people were hardly exposed to these
viruses because of Covid precautions like masking and
social distancing,” he said
“Now that people are out without masks, travelling
extensively, business has resumed and children are back
to schools, there are more opportunities for these viruses
to circulate and they could make a comeback,” he said.
The DAK President said in typical years a good
percentage of the population gets infected with these
viruses and builds immunity against the infections. “What
we are seeing are a couple of years where we didn't see
infections. So more people are susceptible to these
viruses in this season that could lead to higher rates of
infections and also more severe cases,” he said.
Dr Nisar said pandemic has added another virus to the
season mix. While Covid-19 has leveled off, but like other
respiratory viruses, we could see uptick in winter, he said.
“In the face of possible triple virus threat, people should
get flu shot and Covid booster. And, taking common sense
precautions, such as staying home when sick and
maintaining personal hygiene, can also help keep
everyone healthy and prevent hospitals from getting
overwhelmed,” he said.