From when to walk to whether to get flu shots: A doctor’s checklist for senior citizens amid Delhi’s toxic air

He shares insights on some common concerns:

Why is the Delhi pollution season a tough time for the elderly?

For older adults, their lungs, heart and immunity are naturally weaker with age. The tiny particles in polluted air enter the respiratory system easily and irritate the airways, making breathing more difficult.

Many elderly people already live with long-term conditions like asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), heart disease or diabetes, and pollution adds extra stress to the body. Their lungs take longer to clear irritants, so symptoms such as cough, breathlessness, burning eyes and fatigue worsen quickly. Pollution also increases the risk of infections; prolonged exposure can lead to a flare-up of existing diseases.

When it comes to elderly patients, what are you seeing in the OPD? Is there an increase in numbers during this season?

Yes, there is a clear rise in elderly patients with respiratory issues. Many of them report persistent cough, chest tightness, wheezing, worsening breathlessness and disturbed sleep due to breathing discomfort. Those with existing lung conditions such as asthma or COPD often have flare-ups that require immediate attention.

There is also an increase in viral infections since polluted air weakens the airways and makes them more vulnerable. Some older adults with heart problems experience palpitations or fatigue because poor air quality affects oxygen supply and places extra load on the heart.

What precautions must people with co-morbid conditions like diabetes, hypertension and asthma take?

People with diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma or other long-term diseases need to be extra careful during the pollution season because their bodies already deal with constant stress.

They should keep their medicines and inhalers in hand and go for regular check-ups as even small lapses can worsen symptoms.

Staying indoors during peak pollution hours, using an air purifier if possible and wearing a well-fitted N95 mask when stepping out can reduce exposure. Drinking enough water helps keep the airways moist and less irritated. They should avoid morning and evening outdoor activities when pollution levels are usually higher.

What is the ideal time to step out for a walk?

The air quality is generally at its best from late morning to early afternoon. Early mornings and evenings often have the highest pollution levels because cooler air traps harmful particles close to the ground.

For the elderly or those with health conditions, it is safer to avoid walks when visibility is low or when there is a strong smell of smoke or dust in the air. Checking the daily Air Quality Index before stepping out can help. On days when pollution levels are high, it is better to walk indoors, in a well-ventilated room or in a mall or corridor where the air is cleaner.

Should they get flu shots and does it help against pollution? Are more people taking it now?

In our hospital, we get patients choosing flu shots as awareness has grown about infections spiking in winter and pollution months. Many elderly individuals proactively get vaccinated.

While the flu vaccine does not protect against pollution itself, it prevents influenza — which can become far more dangerous when the lungs are already irritated by poor air quality.

A simple viral infection can quickly turn severe in such conditions, so the flu shot acts as an added layer of safety. It lowers the chances of complications, hospitalisation and worsening of asthma or heart problems.

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