Health officials across several countries are reporting a sharp increase in respiratory infections as summer begins, defying usual seasonal trends. Hospitals in major urban centers such as New York, London, and New Delhi have seen a 30–40% rise in patients suffering from flu-like symptoms, wheezing, and persistent coughs over the past three weeks.
Dr. Ayesha Malik, a pulmonologist at St. George Medical Center, said, “We are seeing a concerning number of patients who don’t fit the usual winter flu profile. Many are young and otherwise healthy, but still coming in with significant breathing difficulties.”
Doctors Link Illness to Rising Air Pollution
Environmental health specialists believe air pollution may be a key factor behind the surge. A recent report from the Global Clean Air Initiative revealed that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels have exceeded safe limits in over 70% of surveyed cities this spring.
“Pollution triggers inflammation in the airways, making people more vulnerable to infections,” said Dr. Kamran Shah, an environmental health expert based in Islamabad. “What we’re seeing now is the result of prolonged exposure to poor air quality combined with heat stress.”
Children and Elderly Most Affected
Pediatric and geriatric departments report the highest volume of cases. Many children under the age of 10 are showing signs of bronchitis and allergic asthma, while seniors are facing aggravated symptoms of chronic respiratory conditions like COPD.
Lina Roberts, a mother from Chicago, shared her concern: “My 5-year-old son has never had asthma, but this week he was rushed to the ER because he couldn’t breathe properly. The doctors think it’s due to a mix of pollution and a viral infection.”
Health Authorities Advise Precautionary Measures
In response, public health agencies are urging citizens to take precautions. Recommendations include avoiding outdoor exercise during peak pollution hours, using air purifiers indoors, wearing masks in crowded areas, and staying hydrated.
The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a statement on Thursday, advising governments to step up air quality monitoring and health alerts. It also called on cities to reduce vehicle emissions and industrial pollutants immediately.
“Clean air is not a luxury—it’s a basic human right,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “We must act now to protect vulnerable populations before this becomes a full-scale public health emergency.”
Stay tuned for updates on health trends and government advisories.
