UAE: Children may fall sick in the initial days as schools reopen after summer break, say doctors

UAE: Children may fall sick in the initial days as schools reopen after summer break, say doctors

Cold, cough, conjunctivitis are among the most common viruses students may get infected with

Students arrive at Indian High School Dubai on the first day of school opening on Monday. Photo by Shihab

By SM Ayaz Zakir Published: Mon 29 Aug 2022, 8:05 PM

As thousands of UAE students return to schools on Monday after a two-month-long summer break, health practitioners are cautioning parents of increased cases of fever, cold and cough among children.

According to medicos, students interacting with each other and coming in contact with other individuals after a long period will trigger the spread of infections as viruses linger on inside the classrooms, desks, tables, or doorknobs.

Healthcare specialists mentioned that cold, cough, stomach bugs, and pink eye (conjunctivitis) are among the most common viruses in school. “Children can also spread bacterial infections like sore throat and skin infections. Lice infestation also can be seen due to close contact in schools,” said Dr Dinesh Naik, Specialist Paediatrics, Al Sharq Hospital, Fujairah.

Parents should maintain proper hygiene in their ward and doctors reminded that Covid-19 is still around and the flu season is just around the corner. Dr Mohammad Wasim Ahmad, specialist paediatrician, Saudi German Hospital, Sharjah, said, “Hand hygiene must be followed, children