Preventing illnesses in children during seasonal changes.

March 12, 2024 0 Comments

During seasonal changes, the ambient temperature fluctuates abruptly, with large temperature differences between day and night, increased humidity, and less wind, causing the human body to expend more energy and weakening its immune system. Individuals with weak immune systems or those unable to adapt quickly, such as the elderly and children, are more susceptible to illness.

On the other hand, such changing environmental conditions are also very favorable for pathogens (bacteria, viruses) to develop and spread, further increasing the risk of illness for these individuals.

1. Common illnesses in children during seasonal changes.

1.1. Influenza

With the current transitional weather in Northern Vietnam, anyone can catch the flu, including children. The disease spreads through the respiratory tract, directly from sick people to healthy people via small droplets released when talking, coughing, or sneezing.

The symptoms of influenza are difficult to distinguish from other respiratory illnesses, typically including fever (usually above 38 degrees Celsius), body aches, sore throat, sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, and shortness of breath. Influenza is usually mild and resolves within 2-7 days, but it can also lead to complications such as severe pneumonia, multiple organ failure, and death, especially in those with weakened immune systems such as the elderly and children.

1.2. Respiratory Diseases 

Respiratory illnesses, including upper respiratory tract infections such as rhinitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, etc., and lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia, are common in children during seasonal changes. The main causes of these illnesses are allergies or bacterial and viral agents.

Children with respiratory infections often experience symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, and sneezing. Most mild upper respiratory infections resolve on their own within a few days without antibiotics, as they are mostly caused by viruses. However, if left untreated, upper respiratory infections can potentially develop into lower respiratory infections, and some children with mild cases may experience a worsening of their condition in a short period.

1.3. Gastrointestinal diseases

Changes in temperature and humidity during transitional seasons make food more susceptible to contamination and spoilage, creating a favorable environment for bacteria, viruses, and parasites to thrive, causing gastrointestinal illnesses (diarrhea, dysentery, etc.). Children with these illnesses often exhibit symptoms such as loose stools, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, and may experience circulatory collapse and death if not properly cared for and treated promptly.

1.4. Rash fever

Measles or rubella is usually caused by the measles or rubella virus . The disease is transmitted through the respiratory tract and manifests as: fatigue, headache, sore throat, runny nose, and conjunctivitis . The mucous membrane of the pharynx may become irritated, and small hemorrhagic spots may appear. Two swollen and painful lymph nodes will appear in the neck area, behind both ears. Tiny red spots will appear on the child's face, then quickly spread to the entire body and limbs. Children may experience fever during seasonal changes, and a red rash will appear all over the body, concentrated mainly on the trunk and extremities.

To prevent measles and rubella in children, parents should have their children vaccinated against measles and rubella as part of the national expanded immunization program.

1.5. Hand, foot, and mouth disease

This disease is easily recognizable. The appearance of blisters on the skin or ulcers on the oral mucosa can help to detect it early. As the disease progresses, children may experience additional symptoms such as difficulty breathing, vomiting, and seizures. To minimize the risk of such severe complications, parents should pay attention to changes in their child's skin during hygiene routines. As soon as any signs of hand, foot, and mouth disease are detected, parents should take their child to the doctor as soon as possible.

2. Preventing illnesses in children during seasonal changes.

To protect children's health during the changing seasons at the end of the year, the following measures should be implemented effectively:

- Vaccinate children against diseases that have vaccines available, such as influenza, measles, etc.

- Ensure proper nutrition by providing children with a balanced diet containing all nutrient groups: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Include plenty of fruits to boost vitamin intake and strengthen the immune system.

- Ensure personal hygiene, wash hands frequently with hand soap, and clean your nose and throat daily with saline solution.

See also Enzyco Natural Hand Wash, gentle for baby's skin.

- Ensure environmental hygiene, keep your home and surrounding living environment clean and well-ventilated.

- Keep children warm when riding motorcycles or going outdoors at night, paying attention to keeping their feet, hands, chest, neck, and head warm.

- Minimize children's contact with people showing signs of infectious diseases such as influenza, respiratory illnesses, diarrhea, etc.

When your child shows signs of suspected illness, you should take them to a medical facility immediately for examination and timely treatment; do not attempt to treat them at home.

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