What are some of the common ailments affecting kids during monsoon? Read to find out more and tips to keep kids healthy.Rainy season is a time when illnesses are on the rise especially among kids. Children are often susceptible to various illnesses during this period. Parents can take some precautions during this season to protect children. The following are some of the common
rainy season illnesses affecting kids and tips to avoid them.
Dengue
Dengue is one of the common illnesses affecting children and adults in monsoon. It occurs in the tropic areas. Symptoms of
dengue include rash, high fever, etc. Ask your kids to stay away from puddles to avoid contracting this illness.
Fungal Infections
Due to skin being moist and wet all the time, chances of fungal infections are quite high. Skin must be kept dry all the time. Ask your kids to dry themselves after coming home. Fungus often breeds when skin is moist and not exposed to air.
Leptospirosis
This illness occurs when people come into contact with contaminated water especially during the rains. Even if your child has a minor cut on his leg, he must take care to avoid stepping into contaminated water.
Gastro Intestinal Disturbances
This occurs due to infections from contaminated food and water. Ask kids to avoid food from roadside stalls and drinks also. Avoid eating cut fruit and vegetables. Drink only filtered and purified water. Dysentary, diarrhoea and various other stomach ailments can occur in the rainy season.
Malaria
Mosquitoes find stagnant water as good breeding grounds.
Malaria is due to the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. Malaria occurs more frequently in monsoon as the number of mosquitoes is more. Ask your kids to avoid going near puddles and empty areas.
Viral Fever
This occurs especially for those people staying in the viral belt.
Viral infections are a common occurrence in India. Consult a doctor in case of severe cold, throat ache, etc as it can lead to a viral infection. Keep giving your kids warm drinks when it rains.
Conjunctivitis
Conjuctivitis is a common monsoon malady. Ask your kids to not share handkerchiefs or towels. Keep them isolated in case they get this problem to avoid spread of infection. Wash hands frequently and avoid overly crowded areas.
Typhoid
Water-borne diseases such as typhoid and cholera can occur in monsoon. Hence, stay away from impure water. Roadside foods and golas might be tempting for children, but it is best to avoid them. Very often, people use ice in such items.
Allergies and Asthma
During the first monsoon showers, the rain often brings down with it pollen, dust and various pollutants from the air hence there is a chance of catching
allergies. Kids suffering from allergies or asthma should always keep their medication on hand this season.
Tips for Keeping Children Healthy during Monsoons
Here are some tips for keeping your children healthy during monsoons.
- Avoid giving too much junk food to children.
- Avoid giving water-based fruits like watermelon and muskmelon, as these are more suitable for summers.
- Preferably bathe your children in hot water instead of cold water.
- Ask children to play indoors during heavy rain.
- Stop children from cycling in the monsoon as dirty water splashes on their feet.
- Avoid visiting crowded places with children.
- Encourage children to practice right personal hygiene.
- Preventing children from having street foods during monsoons.
Rains are often a tempting time for kids. However, falling sick is also not advisable. Keep your child’s feet and body protected from dirty water and rains. Pay more attention to hygiene while preparing food. Cough and cold are common during the monsoons. Children should take bath with clean water and drink purified water. Help your family stay healthy and safe this monsoon by following the above tips.
Why do children fall ill during rainy season? Which illnesses are common in children during rainy season? How to keep children healthy during rainy season? Discuss here.