Common monsoon diseases children suffer from and tips to protect them

It is important to take care of children during monsoon and make sure they are eating a healthy diet.

Rain brings respite from the hot weather, but with it also comes the risk of infections. Monsoon is the time when there is a lot of humidity in the air that promotes the growth and spread of bacteria and viruses. One can catch infection through water, food, and mosquitoes. Children love to play outside and may be tempted to indulge in street food to enjoy rainy days. This may put them at risk of getting food-borne or mosquiro-borne diseases that are common in this season.

It is important to take care of children during monsoon and make sure they are eating a healthy diet including fruits, nuts and vegetables. Parents must also make them wear full sleeves when they are going out to play and ensure they wash their hands with soap and water thoroughly from time to time.

Dr Mubashshir Khan, Consultant, Paediatrics & Neonatology, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, talks about the common monsoon ailments that children may suffer from.

Dengue, malaria, and chikungunya are widespread during the humid weather. One suffering from the diseases will have high fever, severe body pain, rashes, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In case of dengue, the patient would require immediate medical attention.

Food and water-borne diseases

They occur because of houseflies that contaminate water and food items. Consumption of contaminated food and water can lead to diseases like typhoid, hepatitis, diarrhoea, and dysentery. In typhoid and diarrhoea, one can have fever and abdominal pain while in dysentery there is abdominal cramping and blood in the stool.

Hepatitis (Hepatitis A, E)

It can impact the liver and one suffering from it can exhibit signs like vomiting and jaundice accompanied by fever.

Fungal skin infections

Apart from skin diseases like scabies, fungal skin infections can also occur due to moist clothing and wet footwear.

Common cold and flu

They are accompanied by fatigue, fever, and body ache and generally last for less than a week.

Allergies and asthmatic conditions

These may increase due to humidity, fungus growth, and pollen present in the environment.

Tips to prevent kids from monsoon diseases

Dr Khan recommends tips to prevent your children from monsoon ailments

Opt for a healthy diet that involves fruits, milk, eggs, and nuts in order to boost immunity. Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly before eating and drinking water should be boiled from time to time. Avoid spicy, sugary and processed foods. Eating home-cooked food can do the trick.

Make sure your child washes his/her hands before each meal, and after using the restroom.

Make sure children wear dry clothes and socks to keep fungal infections at bay.

Ensure that your child wears full sleeves to stay away from mosquito bites.

It is a no-brainer that dengue mosquitoes tend to breed in stagnated clear water. Ensure the water doesn't accumulate in coolers, flower pots or drains near your house.

Common illnesses during monsoons can lead to more serious problems like severe dengue or pneumonia if the treatment is delayed. Consulting a paediatrician as soon as the symptoms are visible is important.

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