ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — Health officials warn that everyone will be affected by the residual smoke from Canadian wildfires, but some areas are dealing with more risks than others.

Stay indoors, that’s the advice, Dr. Christina Abraham, with the Allergy and Asthma Clinic, says when discussing the air quality issues throughout the United States.

“Stay indoors if possible. Keep the windows closed, but if they have to be outside they should wear a high-quality mask such as a KN95 or an N95 mask,” said Dr. Abraham.

This also goes for people who live in parts of Virginia.

“The air quality is starting to affect our region. It is in the poor to moderate range right now,” said Dr. Abraham.

On her end, she is seeing sensitive groups of people, including the elderly, those with respiratory disorders, and younger children, having symptoms.

That includes breathlessness, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness all due to the particles in the air.

“It’s very fine particles that can enter the lungs. It is currently in Roanoke 7.3 times higher than the World Health Organization recommends,” said Dr. Abraham.

The Virginia High School League says they are beginning to monitor the air quality across the commonwealth as well:

Dr. Abraham wants people to know, she says that poor air quality can trigger asthma attacks and COPD Exacerbations. So, it’s important to stay vigilant.