Rising Flu Cases And Global Warming: How Are They Connected?

There has been a surge in the number of flu cases this year. The numbers seem to keep rising. Climate change and global warming are believed to have significant impacts on the health of people.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Vidhe Sharma, MD, physician, Ruby Hall Clinic, Hinjawadi, pointed out how global warming and the surge in number of flu cases are interconnected by several factors.

Climate change and seasonal patterns:

Global warming alters temperature and precipitation patterns, which can affect the timing and duration of seasons. This can lead to shifts in the timing and intensity of flu seasons, potentially extending or altering when flu viruses are active. This further makes people become more exposed to the disease.

Temperature and virus survival:

Warmer temperatures can allow some viruses, including influenza viruses, to survive for longer periods outside of hosts. This might increase the likelihood of transmission in certain environments.

There has been a surge in the number of flu cases this year. The numbers seem to keep rising. Climate change and global warming are believed to have significant impacts on the health of people.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Vidhe Sharma, MD, physician, Ruby Hall Clinic, Hinjawadi, pointed out how global warming and the surge in number of flu cases are interconnected by several factors.

Climate change and seasonal patterns:

Global warming alters temperature and precipitation patterns, which can affect the timing and duration of seasons. This can lead to shifts in the timing and intensity of flu seasons, potentially extending or altering when flu viruses are active. This further makes people become more exposed to the disease.

Temperature and virus survival:

Warmer temperatures can allow some viruses, including influenza viruses, to survive for longer periods outside of hosts. This might increase the likelihood of transmission in certain environments.