Delhi NCR | 18 December 2025: Paras Health, Gurugram, has issued a public health advisory urging parents, schools, and communities to remain vigilant as hospitals across Delhi NCR witness a significant spike in flu and fever cases among children. Pediatric departments are reporting sustained increases in young patients presenting with high‑grade fever, persistent cough, sore throat, vomiting, and other viral respiratory symptoms.
The surge has been observed across schools, residential communities, and daycare facilities, indicating widespread seasonal transmission.
Underlying Factors Driving the Surge
Health experts at Paras Health highlight that the current rise in cases is being driven by a combination of environmental and lifestyle factors:
- Sudden winter temperature drops weaken children’s immunity
- Poor air quality inflames airways, increasing susceptibility to infections
- Indoor crowding in homes and classrooms allows viruses to circulate continuously
- Lifestyle patterns such as excessive screen time, irregular sleep, skipped meals, reduced outdoor activity, and limited sunlight exposure weaken immune resilience
- Lower water intake during winter dries out throat and nasal passages, reducing natural defenses
Guidance for Parents
Parents are strongly advised to:
- Monitor symptoms closely
- Seek medical attention if fever persists beyond 48 hours, breathing becomes difficult, or the child refuses food and fluids
- Maintain adequate warmth and proper sleep routines
- Encourage hydration and immunity‑boosting foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs, warm homemade meals)
- Ensure exposure to morning sunlight to maintain Vitamin D levels
- Ventilate homes and classrooms by opening windows for short intervals
- Keep sick children at home to prevent community spread
Delayed intervention increases risks of complications such as pneumonia, dehydration, or ear infections, especially in children with asthma, allergies, or low immunity.
Dr. Manish Mannan, Head of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Paras Health Gurugram, said: “Children today face a unique combination of environmental stressors and lifestyle changes that make them more vulnerable than in the past. Ignoring recurring fevers or dismissing them as ‘seasonal’ can compromise long‑term respiratory health. With peak winter ahead, heightened awareness and timely medical guidance are critical to safeguarding children.”
Paras Health urges families, schools, and communities to adopt proactive preventive measures and seek timely medical care. With the winter season at its peak, the hospital emphasizes that awareness, prevention, and early intervention are key to protecting children from the rapidly spreading flu wave.
