Immunocompromised at Risk: Expert Calls for Vaccination and Early Pneumonia Detection
Dr. Naveed Nazir Warns Against Serious Complications, Advocates Preventive Measures
Srinagar, November 12: Immunocompromised individuals, including those with weakened immune systems due to underlying health conditions, treatments, or age, face a heightened risk of pneumonia, warned Dr. Naveed Nazir Shah, Pulmonologist and Head of the Department at CD Hospital, Srinagar.
Dr. Naveed emphasized that while pneumonia can affect anyone, individuals with compromised immunity are particularly vulnerable due to their body’s reduced ability to combat infections. He described pneumonia as a severe infection causing inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs, often leading to symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
Dr. Naveed pointed out that individuals undergoing chemotherapy, those with chronic illnesses, the elderly, and people on immunosuppressive medications are at a greater risk. He stressed the importance of early medical intervention for symptoms like persistent cough, high fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath to prevent severe complications.
Highlighting prevention strategies, Dr. Naveed strongly advocated for vaccinations, especially for high-risk groups, as a critical step in reducing pneumonia cases. He further noted advancements in rapid diagnostic tools like biomarkers and molecular diagnostics, which have improved the accuracy and speed of pneumonia diagnosis.
The pulmonologist also discussed the impact of lifestyle choices, chronic diseases, and conditions like HIV or cancer on pneumonia susceptibility. He advised maintaining good hygiene, healthy habits, and timely vaccinations to minimize risk, especially during the winter season.
As pneumonia remains a significant health concern, Dr. Naveed’s insights underline the urgent need for awareness, prevention, and timely treatment to protect vulnerable populations.
