As the seasons usher in, they bring with them a host of infections. Adults have an inbuilt immune system that inherently protects them from infections. However, children, on the other hand, are more susceptible to infections, whether in any season, especially during the monsoon and winter months, when the weather changes, bringing in seasonal infections.
As a parent or a caregiver to children, one must take a set of precautions beforehand to protect their children from seasonal infections. In India, seasonal infections and respiratory illnesses, such as influenza, peak during the monsoon and winter seasons among children, particularly those under five.
The following are some tips to adhere to and follow to protect your child from seasonal infections-
VACCINATE! IT IS YOUR CHILD’S FIRST IRON ARMOR
Timely vaccinations and flu shots administered to children are one of the initial and most crucial steps in protecting children from seasonal infections. When children are growing up, vaccinations and flu shots act as a shield to protect the body and, at the same time, build up a child’s immune system for the future.
SCRUB, SCRUB, SCRUB
The habit of washing one’s hands must be inculcated in children from early on for it is a habit that stays forever. Washing hands must be a habit that not only children must have but adults alike. Children must remember to create a frothy 20-second soapy wash before any meal, after playing or indulging in any activity involving them getting their “hands dirty”.
THE WORLD IS NOT A LOLLIPOP
As children approach the age of teething, they have the habit of putting objects or licking anything they can put their hands on, which is why it is a bonus point if your child learns that licking anything which is not a lollipop or putting toys or small objects into their mouths are a big “boo-boo”.
SLEEVE-Y STEVE-Y WILL SAVE YOU FROM MANY A SNEEZE-Y
Putting one’s handkerchief or sleeves, in the absence of one, over sneezes must be taught to children to avoid getting them, or anyone around them, sick. Carrying handkerchiefs is a habit all gentlemen and ladies have, and children, being the demurest, must learn so from early on.
FOLLOW THE HOLY TRINITY
Fruits, Vegetables and Water are not only the Holy Trinity but also naturally build up a child’s internal defence system. They naturally boost their body while building up their immunity. A weekly indulgence in junk food must be allowed while setting a restriction on junk food on other days to prevent children from developing the habit of eating junk food, even if they are shaped like their favourite cartoon character.
GET THAT BEAUTY SLEEP- EVEN THE HANDSOME YOUNG MEN
Children must get an average of 11-12 hours of sleep daily as their bodies are still growing, which helps their body’s immune system and brain rejuvenate itself. A restriction on screen time must be set and strictly followed, allowing children an hour of screen time daily-be it television, computers or mobile phones, and no screen time 2 hours before their bedtime. The habit of reading before bed is a habit children can be moulded to have, wherein parents read to children every day before bed.
LAYERS ARE LOVELY
Children, unlike us, do not have a body that can bear the harsh weather, making them prone to catching infections quickly. Children must layer well and be made to dress according to the weather. Apparel suitable with the weather can aid immensely in protecting children from seasonal infections. If an adult needs 2 layers, they must remember a child needs 4.
CROWDS ARE INFECTIOUS
Parents must pay attention to the environment their child is in, where it is not crowded and stuffy, to prevent exposure to a host of infections. Children must be encouraged to play in open playgrounds or outdoors where there is fresh air and constant ventilation to avoid infection from spreading.
SANITISE!
Every child must carry a small bottle of sanitiser with them at all times. Parents should prompt children to sanitise their hands if they are outdoors and are unable to find handwash. Sanitising before meals must be taught to children to avoid transferring germs while eating.
DISINFECT-BECAUSE CLEANLINESS IS COOL
Parents and caregivers must regularly disinfect and clean children’s tiffin boxes, toys, and bottles, for they have a habit of putting things in their mouths without realising the germs they may carry. Thus, disinfecting them regularly, especially during flu season, reduces the risk of children contracting any infections.
IF SICK, STAY HOME
Children, in the event of being sick, must stay home from school to avoid exposing others to infection, while also allowing for quicker recovery and preventing any further unnecessary exposure as their immune system rebuilds itself.
CALL IN THE DOCTOR IF THE NEED ARISES
During seasonal changes and the flu season, children come down with persistent fever, strange rashes, or even breathing issues, which can be a sign of a weak immune system, underlying diseases or arising health problems. Such signs in children must not be neglected, and knowing when to call the doctor is key. If your gut says the doctor must be called or a visit is required, it must not be turned a blind eye to.
Conclusion
Seasons change; children grow up, but even adults are sneezing during flu season. Thus, protecting our future from a young age is a small step that can reap great benefits in the future. Meher Hospital is with you every step of the way to protect your young ones from the sneezes, runny noses and seasonal infections.