The Indian Medical Association (IMA) issued an advisory in light of increasing COPD cases due to air pollution levels in the National Capital Region in which it advised people to take influenza shots to avoid complications from the disease. 

The association added that the influenza shot helps reduce the chances of catching a viral fever, and in turn reduces the effects of COPD as well. It added that the shot should be taken once a year to get the best results. 

IMA president Dr RK Garg, a chest physician, said that people above 60 years of age should take the pneumococcal vaccine every five years for the same reason. He also added that people must stay indoors and away from the toxic air.