Punjab health department: Stay indoors, wear face masks

The Punjab health department has issued an advisory regarding pollution due to stubble burning. The district administration too has appealed to people to follow the guidelines issued by the health department.

According to the advisory, children, the elderly, people with conditions like diabetes, heart diseases, asthma, or chronic obstructive airway diseases are at risk.

The advisory said that the diseases from pollution have common symptoms, such as cough, breathlessness, runny nose, itchy eyes and a heavy head.

It said that the air pollution can reduce your lifespan and adversely impact quality of life.

For protection from pollution, the advisory underlined the need to avoid outdoor activities. It suggested consulting a healthcare professional and avoiding self-prescribing with over-the-counter medicines antibiotics or excessive multivitamins. It recommended using cough suppressants when necessary.

The advisory also said that early morning walks in smog are not safe, as pollutants are at their highest levels. Instead opt for a walk after sunrise when the air is clearer.

The advisory also stressed using face masks.