Changing weather makes many children vulnerable to infections, say doctors

Bengaluru: As Bengaluru breaks a sweat, city doctors are linking current surge in viral infections among children to soaring humidity and erratic temperature changes. The unusually high humidity levels are creating an ideal breeding ground for viruses, bacteria and fungi, leading to a surge in respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.

Dr Sampath Kumar Shettigar, senior consultant – paediatrics and neonatology, Kinder Hospital said adverse weather changes is significantly impacting children's health, causing respiratory issues, allergies and viral infections. "The constant adjustments the body has to make to varying temperatures compromise natural defence mechanisms, making them more susceptible to infections," he said.

With hot afternoons, rainy evenings and humid nights, Dr Prathap Chandra, consultant – paediatrician and neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, said there's been a surge in flu cases among children. "Previously, such cases were mostly seen in November and December, as viruses tend to become more potent during winter. But, with changing weather patterns, we now see flu and other infections as early as July and Aug," he said.

Children are also vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, such as rashes and dehydration, due to their inability to regulate body temperature. Dr Ravali Polepaka, consultant paediatrician, TriLife hospital, added, "Changing weather conditions contribute to a spike in cases of dengue fever and respiratory infections. Heavy rain and poor sanitation are leading to a rise in gastrointestinal infections, including diarrhoea and typhoid. These combined factors are posing serious health risks to children," he said.

The spike in humidity and exposure to a variety of pathogens have had a cascading effect on the health of adults as well. Dr Sheela Murali Chakravarthy, director — internal medicine, Fortis Hospitals, said, "People are sweating more, which leads to a significant loss of electrolytes that water alone can't replace. As a result, adults are feeling more fatigued and finding it hard to sleep due to temperature fluctuations."