According to Dr. Pawan Kumar, senior consultant and general pediatrician at Madhukar Rainbow Children′s Hospital, an increasing number of infants and children are becoming ill and are being admitted to ICU care amidst the prediction that the national capital will experience another cold wave next week. He stated that this year′s unprecedented cold waves are having an impact on many facets of life, especially the elderly and small children.

He also stated that pollution is at an all-time high during this extreme cold spell. He explained that children’s lungs are being negatively impacted by this pollution, leading to severe coughing fits and breathing problems, particularly in the late night and early morning hours. He stated that respiratory illnesses like the H3N2 flu are common among children during these bitterly low temperatures.

Dr. Dhiren Gupta, a pulmonologist and allergy expert at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, elaborated on the impacts of the cold, saying that when the air becomes dry, mucous membranes gradually dry down and are more vulnerable to infections, particularly viral infections. Meanwhile, pollutants also negatively influence the respiratory system, especially in people with asthma and allergies. He explained that the function of the cilia present in the nose is less efficient and more susceptible to infections in extremely dry conditions.

As a result, he advised that people should partake in a nutritious diet and ensure proper hydration of the body. In order to prevent sleep deprivation, he advised applying sunscreen when outdoors in the sun or snow. He also advised against using a heater in a contained space. 

(Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/health/extreme-cold-conditions-affecting-infants-children-experts-470414 )