Autumn babies ‘at increased asthma risk’
Babies born in the autumn months could be at a greater risk of developing childhood asthma, according to new research.
A recent US study of more than 95,000 children indicated that infants born in the early months of autumn seemed particularly prone to respiratory viral infections.
Researcher Dr Tina Hartert, of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, said there may be "short and long-term benefits" to avoiding conceiving in December and January.
"All infants are exposed to this and it is potentially preventable," she said.
"Still, we must prove whether preventing these respiratory tract infections will prevent a lifetime chronic disease."
Previous research has suggested that children born in these months are at a greater risk of developing the condition.
However, this study - published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine - was the first to link the trend to heavy viral activity in the winter months.
The Insurance Helpline specialises in obtaining cover for people living with asthma
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