More children are approaching clinics with seasonal diseases as the temperature changes, particularly following the torrential rain and thunderstorms that defined early October. The lower temperatures during the first week of October have caused an increase in respiratory infections, including the flu, and many children are getting these diseases at schools, where close contact and insufficient preventative action readily allow viruses to spread.

Medical experts have underlined that such seasonal fluctuations often lead to health issues since changes in the temperature might set off allergic reactions or virus infections. A consultant pediatrician and chair of pediatrics and neonatology at Thumbay University Hospital, Dr. Ignatius Edwin D'Souza claims that patient visits have increased significantly—between 100 to 150 children visit his clinic every week, mostly complaining of coughs, fever, and cold-like symptoms. A significant increase over past months, several of these children are testing positive for Influenza A.

Together with the dry and dusty surroundings, the abrupt temperature swings aggravating respiratory problems including bronchitis, sinusitis, and rhinitis. Children who are typically more susceptible to infections, find these disorders especially troublesome, Children are more prone to acquire viral diseases like the flu since the dry air aggravates the respiratory tract even more, Children are displaying runny nose, sore throats, coughing, fevers, and overall tiredness, according to pediatric specialist Dr. Saad Aziz of Medeor Hospital in Abu Dhabi. Children in more severe cases may have headaches, muscle aches, and high temperatures—sometimes reaching 40°C (104°F.

Although many parents are fast to identify these symptoms in their children, not all take the required care; some children still go to school even displaying symptoms of disease. Because sick students interact closely with their friends, this habit helps the virus to spread among school populations. Over half of the patients visiting Medcare Hospital Sharjah had flu-like symptoms including high-grade fever, bodily pain, headaches, and respiratory problems including cold and rhinitis, according to Dr. Jadeer Akkaparambo from there. Not unusual in cases of influenza, some children have also suffered with gastrointestinal problems including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Children spending more time indoors—especially as the temperature drops—helps the virus to spread in school surroundings. Given the large number of children gathered in close quarters, there is more chance of spreading diseases such the flu. Physicians have advised parents to keep alert and give preventive actions including correct hygiene and vaccination top priority. With the annual flu vaccine especially crucial as the winter months approach, Dr. Akkaparambil underlined that immunization remains the best protection against influenza. To help to reduce the spread of germs, he also encouraged parents to make sure their children routinely wash their hands with soap and water or apply alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

The surge in respiratory illnesses is being aggravated by close contact children have with one another in schools; the increase in flu incidence among school-aged children in the UAE is directly related to recent weather variations. The best strategies to stop more virus transmission are advised by doctors as flu vaccinations and stringent hygienic practices adhered to, These actions can assist parents keep their children healthy during this transitional phase and aid to slow down the spread of disease.

UAE Doctors Caution Against Rising Flu Cases Among Children Amid Weather Shifts

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