UAE summer: Viral infections among children on the rise, warn paediatricians
With seasonal illnesses expected to persist during transitional weather, both healthcare professionals and educators are urging parents to prioritise full recovery, hydration, and preventive measures to curb the spread of infections and safeguard the wider community.
Dr Amjad Mouhammad Haider, Consultant Pediatrician at International Modern Hospital Dubai, told Khaleej Times, "We have observed a noticeable increase in pediatric visits over the past few weeks. Most children are presenting with high-grade fevers, persistent coughs, sore throats, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. We're also seeing many cases of viral infections such as upper respiratory tract infections and gastroenteritis.'
He added, 'While the majority are manageable on an outpatient basis, a small percentage - especially infants or children with underlying health conditions - have required hospital admission for dehydration or severe symptoms.'
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Haider emphasised that the increasing temperatures are playing a role. 'The rise in temperature is definitely a contributing factor, particularly due to heat exhaustion and dehydration.'
However, medics also pointed out that beyond the climate, the return to school and close-contact environments is a major concern. 'As schools and daycare centers are operating at full capacity, viruses tend to spread more easily in such close-contact environments. Additionally, poor hydration and dietary imbalances during the hotter months can weaken a child's immune response,' added Haider.
Echoing this, other healthcare professionals pointed out that the primary reason children are falling ill is the spread of viral infections among students. Dr Noher Moustafa, Specialist Pediatrics at Medeor Hospital, Abu Dhabi, said, 'This especially happens in school settings where close contact makes transmission easier. It is quite common for children to become unwell during the school season. Increased interaction in group environments tends to heighten the risk of viral infections during this period.'
Common illnesses
Schools are also witnessing the impact first-hand. Sarah Brannon, Head of Preparatory School at Brighton College Dubai, confirmed the uptick in common illnesses. 'At this time of year, we are seeing some outbreaks of common illnesses like the flu, colds, and stomach bugs which are typical during seasonal changes. The health and wellness of our pupils – and the wellbeing of the wider community – is most important to us.'
She detailed the school's response policy, explaining, 'We have a clear Healthy School policy in place where we closely monitor pupils' health and advise parents not to send their children to school if they show symptoms. Our policy requires pupils to stay home until they are symptom-free for at least 24 hours without the use of medication – this helps ensure they are well enough to be at school and engage in activities when they return.'
Follow medical advice
She added, 'Additionally, there is a chance of spreading illness to others in the school community, including classmates, teachers, teammates and other staff. Parents should be considerate to the rest of the school community and help us maintain a safe and healthy environment for all. To support both individual well-being and the health of our wider school community, we strongly encourage families to follow medical advice and our school's return-to-school guidelines closely, ensuring pupils return when they're truly ready.'
S. Reshma, Principal and School Director at Regent Gulf Indian High School, underlined the long-term implications of rushing children back to school too early.
"There has been a noticeable increase in the seasonal illness not only among students but staff as well. When the child returns to school before full recovery, there are chances that a child may remain unwell for greater number of days resulting in increased absence and possibly developing complications later.'
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