Monsoon season is a relief from the summer heat but it also increases the risk of infections among children. With change in temperature, increased humidity, standing water and contact with contaminated food or water, colds, coughs, fever, stomach infections and mosquito borne diseases may occur.
Children are particularly susceptible because their immune systems are still developing. But there are some simple ways parents can help boost their childs immunity and reduce the risk of common monsoon ailments.
If your child is prone to catching cold during the monsoon or is suffering from prolonged symptoms, you might want to consult a Best Pediatric Hospital In Hisar at a good healthcare center like Sarvesh Health City, which specializes in pediatric health, to know the cause and get the right advice.
Why Do Children Get Sick More Often During Monsoon?
Children are more prone to exposed to viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites during monsoon. Humidity can encourage the growth of microorganisms. Rain and flooding can pollute food and drinking water.
Children may be in schools, in playgrounds and other crowded places where infections can spread easily. If you touch your face, nose and mouth, unwashed hands can increase your exposure to germs.
So it’s not just popping some supplements to boost your immunity. A nutritious diet, good sleep, hygiene, physical activity, vaccinations and timely medical care are all important.
How to boost your child's immunity during monsoon?
1- Offer children a healthy and balanced diet
Good nutrition supplies the body with the nutrients necessary for normal immune function. Parents ought to offer a range of foods rather than processed snacks or sugary drinks.
Children’s meals may contain:
- Seasonal vegetables and fruits
- Wholegrain and cereals
- Beans, Lentils and Pulses
- Milk and suitable other dairy products
- Eggs, Fish or other protein rich foods depending on child's diet
- Nuts and seeds, in safe and age appropriate ways
- Good fat sources
Foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, protein and other vital nutrients can help support normal immune function and healthy growth.
2- Safe drinking water to be given priority
Water contamination is a big concern during monsoon. It can lead to stomach infections, diarrhea, vomiting and other illnesses.
Parents should ensure their children have clean and safe water to drink. If you are not sure of the safety of your water, use an appropriate method of purification recommended for your household.
Never allow children to drink water from unknown sources, especially when traveling or playing outdoors.
3- Instruct on Proper Hand Hygiene
Washing your hands is the single best way to prevent infections from spreading.
Tell children to wash their hands.
- Pre-meal Post-toilet
- When they’ve been playing out
- After school coming home.
- After touching potentially contaminated surfaces
- Prior to food preparation or handling
Show children how to wash (not just rinse) with soap and water.
4- Keep food fresh and clean
“Food contamination is more likely in monsoon because of humidity and improper storage of food. Parents can try to give fresh prepared food and store leftovers safely.
Wash fruits and vegetables before eating. Avoid eating uncovered food from questionable sources especially if it is likely to have come into contact with rain water, insects or unsanitary conditions.
Parents should also encourage children to limit excessive consumption of packaged snacks, sugary beverages, and other foods with limited nutritional value.
What Food Should Kids Eat During Monsoon?
There is no one food that will immediately "boost" a child's immunity. Instead children need a varied and balanced diet.
Parents can offer seasonal fruits, vegetables, pulses, whole grains, dairy products and appropriate sources of protein according to the child’s age, dietary needs and preferences.
Warm, home-cooked meals can also be a practical choice during rainy weather. If your child is on a restricted diet, has food allergies, a poor appetite or a nutritional concern, you should discuss appropriate diet options with your pediatrician.
Can Good Sleep Improve a Child’s Immune System?
Uh huh. Sleep is important for children’s growth, development, energy levels and general wellbeing. Lack of sleep can be detrimental to a child’s wellbeing.
Even on school holidays or a rainy day, try to keep to a regular bedtime routine. Younger children generally need more sleep than older children so sleep requirements should be age appropriate.
A calm, comfortable and well-ventilated sleeping environment can help create a healthy sleep routine for children.
What is the benefit of physical activity for kids during monsoon?
Rainy weather can make it difficult to play outside but kids still need to keep physically active.
If it is unsafe to go outside or very wet, parents can suggest appropriate indoor activities for children, such as stretching, dancing, playing indoor games or doing simple exercises.
Physical activity helps overall health and helps children to grow up physically and emotionally healthy.
However, children should avoid playing in stagnant rainwater or flooded areas because such places can contain harmful microorganisms, sharp objects, insects, or other hazards.
Why Parents Should Keep Children Away From Stagnant Water?
Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. In areas where these infections occur, mosquito bites can expose children to dengue and malaria disease.
Parents should eliminate standing water around the home, including water that has pooled in containers, plant pots, coolers and other items.
Children should also wear suitable clothing and use the mosquito protection measures recommended for their age.
“Parents should also seek medical advice if their child develops a fever or other concerning symptoms after being exposed to mosquitoes, rather than assume the child has just caught a seasonal fever.
Do you need Vaccinations in Monsoon?
Vaccination continues to be an essential component of the prevention of several vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in children. Parents should continue to follow the recommended immunization schedule and talk to their pediatrician about any missed or extra vaccinations.
Vaccines do not protect against all illnesses that may occur during the monsoon, but being up to date on recommended vaccines is an important part of preventive health care.
Parents should keep their child’s vaccination record handy and if they are unsure whether any vaccine has been missed, should check with a healthcare professional.
How do Parents Prevent Common Monsoon Infections at Home?
There are some simple household habits that can go a long way to help. Parents should clean frequently-touched surfaces, ensure there is good ventilation and not share personal items such as towels and drinking bottles when a child is sick.
Children should learn not to share food or utensils unnecessarily with a sick friend.
If a family member develops an infectious illness, appropriate hygiene and infection-control measures can help to reduce transmission to other household members.
When Should Parents Bring Their Child to a Pediatrician?
Most minor viral illnesses will improve with supportive care but some symptoms require evaluation by a medical provider.
If a child has, parents should seek professional medical advice:
- High fever or persistent fever
- Trouble breathing
- Cough which is severe or getting worse
- Vomit and vomit and vomit
- Diarrhea frequently
- Dehydration signs and symptoms
- Uncommon drowsiness or weakness
- Poor intake or poor feeding
- Chronic abdominal pain
- A scary rash
- Symptoms getting worse
Very young children, children with underlying medical conditions or children who appear to be unusually ill may need to be seen sooner.
How do parents protect children's immunity at school, on travel?
Children are exposed to more germs in schools, daycares, public transportation and other crowded places. Teaching your children basic hygiene habits can help reduce unnecessary exposure.
• Teach children to wash their hands often, not to touch their face with unwashed hands and to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell, where possible.
If you are traveling, particularly to areas where the safety of water or food is uncertain, bring safe drinking water and food that has been prepared under hygienic conditions.
Summary
The best way to protect the immunity of children in monsoon is not one immunity boosting food or supplement but building healthy daily habits. During the rainy season, children can be kept healthier by providing access to safe drinking water, nutritious meals, hand hygiene, enough sleep, regular physical activity, protection from mosquitoes, vaccination and timely medical attention.
Parents should also remember that despite the precautions children can still catch common infections. The idea is to avoid avoidable hazards, to encourage healthy development, and to identify early warning signs. If a child is sick or the symptoms do not subside, timely contact with a pediatrician can help ensure the child receives the right care.
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