Children's health warning issued: UAE medical professionals caution about potential viral infections in kids coming back from holidays
As schools in the UAE prepare to reopen on Monday, doctors are urging parents to be vigilant and take preventive measures to protect their children from seasonal viral infections.
According to recent reports, a surge in viral infections has been observed among children returning from overseas holidays. Common symptoms include influenza-like illnesses, respiratory symptoms (cough, runny nose), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, viral gastroenteritis (diarrhea, vomiting), and hand, foot, and mouth disease. These symptoms often reflect the circulating viruses in the regions they visited, such as Europe, the US, the Indian subcontinent, or Australia.
To combat this, doctors in the UAE have recommended several preventive measures.
Vaccination Ensuring children are up to date with the UAE National Immunisation Programme, including the seasonal flu vaccine, is critical. The flu vaccine reduces the risk of severe illness and limits virus spread in schools and households.
Good Hygiene Practices Regular hand washing and avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals help reduce transmission. Hand hygiene, frequent washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using alcohol-based sanitizers, was emphasized as a key preventive measure.
Rest and Proper Sleep Hygiene Adequate sleep (9–11 hours for children, 8–10 for teenagers) boosts immunity. Sleep deprivation weakens defenses, making children more vulnerable to infections. To help children maintain better immunity, parents are advised to gradually adjust sleep routines before school starts.
Monitoring and Early Care Parents should watch for symptoms such as fever, cough, diarrhea, and consult healthcare providers promptly as many viral infections are self-limiting but can spread rapidly. When experiencing symptoms, it is important to seek urgent care if the child shows signs of difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, or dehydration.
In addition to these measures, doctors have also highlighted the importance of respiratory etiquette, such as covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, and minimizing crowding, through good classroom ventilation and staggered pick-ups/drop-offs where possible.
It's worth noting that children who remained in the UAE during the summer appear to be reporting fewer cases of such infections. This could be due to the consistent weather conditions, which may have helped maintain a lower level of virus circulation.
However, with the return of students from overseas, it's crucial to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to keep classrooms safe from seasonal viral outbreaks. By following these recommendations, parents can help ensure their children's health and well-being as they return to school.
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