How Changing Weather in UAE is Affecting Children’s Health: A Focus on Stomach Flu

Published on: 4th September 2024
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Diana Salama

Shifts in climatic conditions in the United Arab Emirates are common, especially in winters with dry and warm weather in UAE from October to March. On the other hand, the summers are very dry, humid, and hot from April to September. These sudden weather changes impact not just adults but children as well, leading to several health issues including stomach flu due to dehydration, infection through pathogens, dietary changes, and other reasons.

Let us understand how influences from weather in Dubai United Arab Emirates bring a spike in stomach flu symptoms and other medical problems.

Overview of Weather in UAE

The UAE’s arid climate is because of its proximity to the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Gulf. The probability of dust storms also worsens the weather in the UAE at times. Thus, the weather in Dubai, United Arab Emirates has a visible strain on people, not to forget humid conditions from the distant monsoons affecting the Indian Ocean.

Weather in Dubai: What to Expect Throughout the Year?

The weather in Dubai and the UAE are sporadic with warm winters dipping to 14°C, hot summers going up to 50°C, and very little rainfall. The constant seasonal changes and temperature fluctuations sometimes cause:

Fatigue, stomach infection, stress on the immune system, fever, nausea
Vomiting, gastrointestinal issues, and a lot more in residents and children facing utmost vulnerability

Impact of Weather in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates on Health

The desert climate means minimal rainfall, hot temperatures, and humid weather in Dubai. This leads to illnesses like stomach flu, respiratory disorders, and more.

From having chilled water in hot conditions, exposure to environmental factors, poor hydration is often the cause of abdominal cramps, indigestion, and similar problems.
Also, the weather in Dubai, United Arab Emirates during summer sees a rise in cases of viral and bacterial infections, especially from adenovirus and retrovirus.

Understanding Stomach Flu and Its Causes

Viral gastroenteritis is a type of viral infection that affects the intestines and stomach. The inflammation causes abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and other symptoms. However, the flu can occur due to parasites or bacteria as well.

What is Stomach Flu?

The inflammation of the stomach and small intestine, if worsens, can spread to the large intestines as well. Let us understand the common causes of flu affecting the stomach:

The most common cause of stomach infection is Rotavirus. It usually affects kids before the age of three. A vaccination is available.
Adenovirus may affect the stomach, even if it is more prone to cause respiratory infections.
Astrovirus, which commonly occurs in children less than three years of age.
Norovirus, which is quite resistant to disinfectants and temperatures.

Stomach Infection vs. Stomach Flu: Key Differences

While the symptoms of stomach infection and stomach flu are similar, the former is more severe. Also, there are several distinct characteristics to notice.

Infection can result from the passing of pathogens such as bacteria, germs, and viruses into the body system.
Usually, it spreads through contaminated food, water, or through the patient’s stool, vomit, direct mouth contact, and vomit.
However, flu is usually due to viral infection discussed above, but not necessarily from viruses alone.

Common Stomach Flu Symptoms

Anyone can catch a stomach bug. But people with weaker immune systems and taking immunosuppressant medications, infants, and children are more susceptible to it. With the extreme weather in UAE accelerating the spread of stomach flu, here are the common symptoms to look out for:

Vomiting and nausea
Low-grade fever
Abdominal pain and cramps
Occasional headache and muscle cramps
Non-bloody but watery diarrhea

Stomach Flu Symptoms in Adults and Children

After the infection, it can take 1 to 3 days for the symptoms to show. However, if the infection is severe, then systemic symptoms may occur. The immune system strongly fights the pathogen, resulting in effects outside the digestive system. Some of the stomach flu symptoms adults and kids encounter are:

Chills
Headaches
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes
Body aches
Fatigue

Stomach Infection Symptoms to Watch For

While watery and loose diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, etc. are common stomach infection symptoms, here are the more severe ones to watch for and seek medical assistance:

Dark-colored urine
Dry mouth
Shock
Dizziness
Excessive thirst
Fatigue
Inability to urinate as often as one does

The Link Between Changing Weather and Stomach Flu in Children

Changing weather in UAE causes stomach flu in children, mostly from viral infections. Even infants are susceptible to gastroenteritis. While symptomatic treatments ensure relief, it can take three to five days, or more, for a full recovery. Thus, it is important to get pathological examinations and other prescribed tests if stomach flu symptoms are prominent.

Why Stomach Flu Cases Rise During Weather Changes in the UAE?

An increase in humidity and heat affects the digestive system and overall well-being. The scorching weather in UAE may cause pathogens to multiply, contaminating water and food.

Children preferring outside eateries may succumb to gastroenteritis and similar illness in this case.
Also, loss of water content from the body may lead to dehydration and poor eating habits, resulting in infection of the stomach.

Is the Condition Contagious? What Parents Need to Know

Yes, stomach bugs are contagious and the disease can spread through direct contact with the pathogen, and the patient’s stool, mouth, and vomit.

Consuming the same contaminated food or drink can also lead to stomach flu symptoms in adults and children.
Thus, parents need to ensure that the kids follow proper hygiene measures and eat fully cooked home meals as much as possible.

Stomach Bug: Risks for School-Going Children

The weather in Dubai is hot and warm, making it easy for viruses to multiply. Schools with improper sanitation and distribution of food in the open may risk the spread of stomach illness-causing pathogens. Those affected, should stay at home, recover, and only then resume school.

Preventative Measures for Parents and Schools

Parents should pack the food in air-tight containers for children. Bottled and purified drinking water is preferable.

Fresh clothes to wear to school, soap/handwash to wash hands, discouraging eating from other’s tiffin through direct saliva contact
Educating kids to follow personal hygiene, etc. are a few practices to prevent stomach flu symptoms and disease.

Stomach Flu Treatment and Remedies for Children

Here are some of the treatments and remedies for stomach flu symptoms in the UAE:

Effective Stomach Flu Treatment Options

Clinical assessments, electrolyte tests, and stool tests can help detect the stomach bug. Usually, the body can naturally combat the illness. But additionally, for stomach flu treatment make dietary adjustments, take rehydration liquids, antibiotics, antiemetics for nausea, and prescribed medicines.

Home Remedies for Stomach Flu

Some of the common stomach flu remedies to follow at home are consuming probiotics, turmeric, cinnamon, rice, bananas, refreshing healthy juices, and letting your body take its course to deal with the illness.

Safe Remedies for Children

The best stomach flu treatment is drinking plenty of water, including vegetable or meat broth, and simple bland food in your diet. Sanitize your surroundings, and have your children wash their hands thoroughly with soap along with other safe stomach flu remedies.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seeking medical attention is necessary even if the flu is mild. It is not worth to wait for the symptoms to worsen. However, if you find any warning signs and adverse effects on your health, then consult the best pediatrician in Dubai for treatment.

Impact of Climate Change on Children's Health

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, Climate change is increasingly impacting children’s health and well-being in various ways. Eco-anxiety, a growing concern among children and adolescents, is linked to their awareness of climate change’s potential future impact. Poor air quality, worsened by climate change, is directly associated with higher rates of asthma and respiratory illnesses in children. Additionally, extreme weather events such as high temperatures and drought contribute to food shortages, increasing the risk of malnutrition. Mental health risks, including PTSD, are more likely in children exposed to climate-related disasters, especially when family support is inadequate. These extreme events can also disrupt education, leading to lower school achievement and learning outcomes. The expansion of habitats for disease carriers like mosquitoes due to climate change increases the risk of vector-borne diseases, including malaria and dengue, in children. While some evidence suggests a link between climate disasters and domestic violence, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm this association.

Lastly, climate-displaced children face significant educational barriers, such as overcrowded schools and lack of legal recognition, making it harder for them to continue their education.

Monitor your child’s health during any weather in UAE to keep track of their well-being. Remember, prevention is better than cure. Timely care is advisable.

Pediatrician At Home For Stomach Flu Treatment by First Response Healthcare

As the weather in the UAE shifts, it can increase the risk of stomach flu in children. To help manage this, First Response Healthcare offers specialized pediatrician at home care . Our experienced pediatricians can provide timely consultations and treatments to ensure your child receives the best care without the need to travel. For more information or to schedule an appointment, you can contact us today.

To book an appointment with our doctors who are available 24 hours in Dubai, you can call us at 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC. You can also make an appointment by visiting our website or messaging us on WhatsApp.

Conclusion

The weather in Dubai, United Arab Emirates may contribute to stomach problems and illnesses. However, with care and precautionary measures, you can combat the diseases and recover completely through different treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Q. Is there any viral fever in dubai?

Hot and humid weather in Dubai may cause the spread of viruses and viral fever. Thus, seeking the right treatment is important.

Q. What are the symptoms of the seasonal flu in the UAE?

Keeping in mind the weather in Dubai United Arab Emirates, one can experience symptoms such as tiredness, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and cramps, and others due to seasonal flu.

Q. What is the common disease in the UAE?

The common diseases in the UAE are stomach bugs, infections, respiratory disorders, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, etc.

References and Citations:

National Center for Biotechnology Information: Climate Change Impacts on Child and Adolescent Health and Well-Being