Learn how to safeguard your child during the monsoon season with these 7 essential tips from a leading paediatrician. From hygiene practices to healthy diets, ensure your child stays healthy and happy.
The monsoon season brings a much-needed respite from the scorching summer heat, but it also brings a surge in illnesses, especially among children. As a paediatrician, I see a significant rise in cases of respiratory infections, gastrointestinal issues, and vector-borne diseases during this time. To ensure your child remains healthy and enjoys the rainy season, here are 7 essential tips to battle monsoon illnesses effectively.
Maintain good hygiene
Proper hygiene is the first line of defence against monsoon illnesses. Encourage your children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the restroom. Hand hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of infections like the common cold, flu, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Stay hydrated
While the monsoon brings rain, it can also be surprisingly dehydrating causing weakness and fatigue. Encourage your child to sip on water throughout the day and ensure your child drinks only boiled or filtered water. Include fluids like soups, broths, and oral rehydration solutions if needed. Contaminated water is also a common cause of diarrhoea and other waterborne diseases during the monsoon so be sure to keep your water storage containers clean and covered.
Ensure a healthy diet
A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can boost your child’s immune system. Include fresh fruits, vegetables, and home-cooked meals in their diet. Foods rich in Vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, can help strengthen immunity. Avoid street foods or food from unhygienic places and opt for healthy & clean home-cooked meals to prevent gastrointestinal infections.
Choose appropriate clothing
Dressing your child in weather-appropriate clothing is crucial. Ensure they wear light, breathable clothes that dry quickly if they get wet. Wet clothes can cause chills and respiratory issues. Keep an extra set of clothes handy in case they get soaked in the rain.
Maintain clean surroundings
Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, leading to diseases like dengue and malaria, maintaining a clean environment reduces the risk of infections. Regularly clean and disinfect your home, especially frequently touched surfaces. Ensure that your child’s toys and play areas are kept clean and dry. Use mosquito repellents, nets, and screens to protect your child from mosquito bites, especially during evening and night time.
Limit outdoor play
Monsoon showers might limit outdoor playtime, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Try to limit their outdoor play during heavy rains and immediately after. Wet and muddy conditions can expose them to various infections, instead, engage them in indoor activities like board games and puzzles during these times.
Prompt medical attention
Do not ignore any signs of illness during the monsoon season. Common symptoms to watch out for include fever, cough, diarrhoea, vomiting, and lethargy. Seek prompt medical attention if your child shows any of these symptoms. Stay updated with your child’s vaccination schedule. Vaccinations can protect against several monsoon-related diseases such as typhoid and influenza. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and ensure a quick recovery.
By following these simple yet effective tips, you can protect your children from the common illnesses associated with the monsoon season. Always stay vigilant and prioritize your child’s health and well-being. With a little extra care, the rainy season can be an enjoyable and illness-free time for your family.
