Parents often hear the term seasonal diseases without fully understanding what it means, even though their child may be affected by one. These are illnesses that tend to appear during seasonal changes, especially during transitions between weather patterns. Examples include respiratory allergies and seasonal diarrhea.
Pediatric consultant Dr. Mazen Abdullah highlights the most common seasonal illnesses in children, their causes, complications, and preventive measures:
1. Seasonal Influenza
As winter begins, influenza viruses thrive in colder temperatures. Children under the age of 5 are especially vulnerable. The virus attacks the respiratory system, spreading from the nose to the throat and lungs, causing symptoms like coughing, runny or stuffy nose, and sore throat.
Although influenza in children is usually mild, seasonal flu can lead to complications without proper care. Preventive steps include protecting children from sudden weather changes and boosting immunity through proper nutrition and natural remedies.
2. Seasonal Diarrhea
Linked to seasonal changes, this type of diarrhea is often caused by viruses or bacteria contaminating food or spreading through wind and weather changes.
Symptoms include watery stools lasting 5–7 days, but in some cases it may persist longer and cause dehydration. Preventive care includes breastfeeding, ensuring the child drinks plenty of fluids, and providing oral rehydration solution (ORS) when necessary.
3. Seasonal Allergies
During spring, pollen levels rise as flowers and trees bloom. Inhaling pollen may trigger allergic reactions in children, leading to sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and itchy eyes or throat.
To reduce symptoms:
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Change clothes and shower after outdoor activities
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Keep windows closed
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Use air purifiers indoors
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Practice good hygiene, including frequent hand and face washing
4. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF)
During winter, stagnant water in streets and near homes encourages mosquito breeding, increasing the risk of dengue fever.
Symptoms include sudden high fever (lasting 2–7 days), severe muscle and joint pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes. Without timely treatment, dengue can cause dangerous complications like severe bleeding.
5. Bronchial Asthma
Asthma symptoms often worsen with seasonal changes, especially when cold air enters the lungs. Children with a genetic predisposition may experience frequent coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
To reduce flare-ups:
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Keep children warm and avoid direct exposure to cold winds
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Offer warm herbal drinks
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Strengthen overall immunity with a balanced diet
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Schedule baths before bedtime to avoid cold exposure afterward
6. Typhus Fever
Caused by Rickettsia bacteria, typhus fever spreads more easily during seasonal transitions, often through contaminated food or water.
Symptoms include high fever (especially in afternoons and evenings), abdominal pain, diarrhea, and headaches. Medical care is urgent to prevent severe complications.
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