Patna: Poor air quality may hinder fight against coronavirus, says doctors

PATNA: With studies linking air pollution to more Covid-19 cases and deaths, health experts have advised Patnaites to remain cautious, wear face masks and follow social distancing norms.
While the city’s air quality has slipped from the ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ category, its night temperature hovers in the range of 10-12 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Patna was 11.2 degrees C on Thursday and the air quality index stood at 319, which falls in the ‘very poor’ category.
Dr Maria Neira of the World Health Organisation states that exposure to air pollution increases the risk of respiratory diseases.Besides, a study titled ‘Regional and Global Contributions of Air Pollution to Risk of Death from Covid-19’, which was published in ‘Cardiovascular Research’ of the European Society of Cardiology in October, points out that about 15% of deaths worldwide from Covid-19 may be linked to long-term exposure to air pollution.
City doctors claim that particulate matter can remain suspended in the atmosphere for a longer time due to low temperature and deteriorating air quality, increasing the transmissibility of coronavirus.
According to Dr Mukul Kumar Singh, nodal officer for Covid-19 at the Nalanda Medical College and Hospital, pollution affects the respiratory system and lowers immunity.
“If your lungs are already weak due to pollution, the chances of contracting Covid-19 are higher. Hence, the usage of face masks is compulsory,” he told this newspaper.
Dr Ashish Karn of the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences also said a surge in the level of pollution would lead to a fall in the Covid recovery rate.
“Polluted air can enter the lungs and cause severe damage, increasing the risk of chronic respiratory diseases. Such people are likely to develop severe illnesses if they contract Covid-19,” he added.
Indian Medical Association (Bihar) senior vice-president Dr Ajay Kumar pointed out that air pollution directly affected the lungs and the respiratory system, making the immune system weak.
He said, “People should follow the safety measures strictly and maintain physical distancing. They should also avoid crowded events and not step out of their houses unless it is necessary.”