Q: I’m 23 and I’ve started catching persistent coughs and chest infections every approach of winter in Srinagar?

A: In the Kashmir Valley, cooler temperatures, low humidity and closer indoor contact during winter create an environment where respiratory viruses (like influenza A/H3N2 and RSV) thrive, this has led to an “unprecedented rise” in infections among younger as well as older people. To reduce your risk: keep warm, ensure good ventilation, cover your mouth when you cough/sneeze, avoid crowds if possible and seek medical advice if cough or chest tightness persists beyond a week.

Q: I’m a 19-year-old college student and my friends have flu symptoms, fever, body aches, runny nose, but we didn’t get vaccinated. Should we be worried and what should we........

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