Flu season in UAE: Respiratory viruses a bigger threat to children than COVID, warn doctors

Flu season in UAE: Respiratory viruses a bigger threat to children than COVID, warn doctors

More school age children seem to be falling sick these days as doctors caution residents about a “tripledemic” – one that includes the flu, the common respiratory virus (RSV), and the coronavirus – being on the rise.

While most Covid related restrictions have been lifted now, medics say coronavirus isn't the only virus posing a threat to children – they also see the rise of influenza and viruses like RSV being a danger.

Dr Supriya G Menen, Specialist Pediatrician, Aster Clinic, Discovery Garden, says, “with the onset of the flu season, more children have been falling ill, particularly with more upper respiratory tract infections like influenza. With the onslaught of the change in the climate from summer to winter, there are more flare ups in children with allergic rhinitis and HRAD's (hyper reactive airway diseases). There are definitely more cases of flu and/or RSV than Covid-19."

Doctors warn parents to watch out for any early signs of illness like a cold or cough, sore throat and hoarseness of voice, and ensure that the child gets the medical attention they need early enough to prevent it from worsening.

Like schools who are cautioning parents not to send their sick children to school, healthcare professionals are