UAE: Infections among children on the rise as rains bring sharp drop in temperatures, say doctors

UAE: Infections among children on the rise as rains bring sharp drop in temperatures, say doctors

Cold and damp air contributes to worsening of symptoms, say healthcare experts

Published: Thu 12 Jan 2023, 6:00 AM

Illnesses associated with rain are common and it is mainly due to the drop in temperature during wet weather. Children are known to suffer from various health issues due to the winter showers, say healthcare specialists.

According to doctors, there has been a surge in Influenza A infections which impact the respiratory system – nose, throat and lungs.

Dr Malak Shaheen, consultant paediatrics and paediatric allergy at Thumbay University Hospital, said: “The cold and damp air further contributes to worsening of symptoms among children who are allergic or have a tendency to develop allergies.”

Common winter infections:

Influenza

Common cold

Asthma

Sinusitis

Bronchitis

Croup

Pneumonia

RSV

Strep throat

Stomach flu

Changes in the body during winter

Our airways are lined with a thin layer of fluid, during winter, as the temperature begins to drop, the air gets drier.

“When we breathe in dry air, that fluid evaporates faster than usual, causing irritation and swelling, worsening the symptoms of COPD and asthma.

“The cold weather also increases mucus production, a protective layer in the throat. However, the mucus caused by cold weather is thicker and stickier than normal. This causes blockage of the aiways, and you are also more likely to