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Children at Higher Risk from Heatwave: AIIMS Doctor's Urgent Warning

Dr. Sheffali Gulati of AIIMS Delhi warns that children are especially vulnerable to heatwave health risks. She advises giving frequent low-sugar fluids and keeping children indoors to prevent complications. Infants require round-the-clock hydration as they cannot express thirst. Dr. Naval Vikram also recommends rest breaks and head coverings for outdoor workers.

Key Points: Heatwave Risk Higher for Children: AIIMS Expert

  • Children need frequent low-sugar fluids
  • Avoid outdoor activities during heatwave
  • Watch for irritability, fast breathing, drowsiness
  • Infants can't show thirst, need round-the-clock fluids
2 min read

Heatwave risk higher for children, warns AIIMS Delhi expert

AIIMS Delhi expert warns children are vulnerable to heatwave risks. Learn prevention tips, hydration advice, and signs of heat-related illness.

"Children are more vulnerable. We should ensure that they have good hydration. - Dr. Sheffali Gulati"

New Delhi, April 30

Amid rising temperatures, Dr. Sheffali Gulati, Professor of Paediatrics at AIIMS Delhi, cautions that children are especially vulnerable to heatwave-related health risks and need close care, adequate hydration, and protection from outdoor exposure to prevent complications.

On heatwave impact, Dr Sheffali Gulati told ANI, "Children are more vulnerable. We should ensure that they have good hydration. So give them small portions of fluids frequently, which are not heavy in sugar. They should prevent any outdoor activities. If a child has epilepsy, they may have more seizures during this time. Children with underlying problems can face aggravation, so they have to be particularly careful. Infants will be very much important to see because they cannot manifest their thirst, so they have to be given fluids around the clock and kept in a cool environment."

Dr Sheffali highlights the critical link between heat-related physical symptoms and long-term neurodevelopmental health in children, emphasising the need for immediate preventive care.

"Children should wear loose comfortable clothes. If a child is becoming irritable, experiences fast breathing, higher pulse rate, or drowsiness, they should increase their fluid intake and seek consultation. It has been shown that children may have issues with behaviour and their cognition in the long run. So neurodevelopmental conditions have to be also kept in mind. So this can affect the child holistically. Hence basic preventions are important and preventive steps as advice should be taken," she said.

On mitigating heat impact, Dr Naval Vikram, Professor, Department of Medicine, AIIMS Delhi, speaking to ANI, said that people who work under circumstances where they are exposed to heatwave conditions should wear loose clothes and keep their heads covered.

"Take a rest of 15-20 minutes in the shade after every two hours of work if possible. Keep taking fluids so body stays hydrated... Keep taking fluids every 30 to 45 minutes," he added.

According to the India Meteorological Department,"Isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorm, lightning & gusty winds (speed reaching 30-40 kmph) likely over Punjab, Haryana Chandigarh & Delhi on 29th& 30th April & during 02nd -05th May; Uttar Pradesh on 29th & 30th April; West Rajasthan on 29th and during 02nd -05th May; East Rajasthan during 29th April 05th May."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally some science-backed advice for parents! My neighbor was giving her kid heavy sugary drinks thinking it'll help. I'm forwarding this article to her. Also good that they mentioned epilepsy—my nephew has it and we never knew heat could trigger seizures. Education hai toh zindagi hai.
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Arjun K
Good to see AIIMS being proactive. But I wish they'd also talk about how to keep kids cool without AC for families who can't afford it—like keeping curtains drawn during peak sun, using wet cloths on pulse points. Not everyone has fans or coolers. Practical advice for all income levels would help more.
S
Sarah B
Living in Delhi for 2 years now, and this heat is unreal 🌡️ Kids at my son's school are getting nosebleeds and headaches. The advice about loose clothes and taking breaks every 2 hours—so necessary. I'm glad IMD is also predicting some rain; hope it actually comes and gives us relief.
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Kavya N
My father works construction in this heat, and this article reminded me to text him about covering his head and taking shade breaks. For kids too—sensible tips. Also good that they mentioned long-term cognition impacts; that's something parents often ignore. Heat isn't just temporary discomfort.
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Michael C
As a pediatrician myself, I appreciate Dr. Gulati's holistic approach—linking physical symptoms to neurodevelopment is key. One small critique: the advice on fluids "every 30-45 minutes" for workers is good, but for infants, it should be even more frequent, like every 15-20 minutes in peak heat. Still, solid guidance overall.

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