Srinagar, Oct. 9 -- The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) has issued a public advisory ahead of the winter season, urging people to get vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia, avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of seasonal illnesses.

The advisory, issued by the Department of Internal and Pulmonary Medicine, said respiratory viral infections become more common during the fall and winter months, while cold weather can aggravate chronic conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular diseases and certain neurological disorders.

SKIMS advised people to protect themselves from cold weather by wearing multiple layers of clothing, l...