Viral infections are common among people of all age but often seem to be concentrated in infants and children. The data released by The United Nations Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation also indicates the continued high mortality risk in the first year of Indian children’s life. Viral infections such as rotavirus and enteric viral illness pose more serious threats to children in comparison to adults. Most childhood viral infections are not serious and include such diverse illnesses as cold, running nose, watery eyes, sore throat, fever, skin rashes, vomiting and diarrhea. Some viral illnesses that cause more serious disease, convulsions, measles and others, are less common now due to widespread immunisation.
If symptoms persists in children for more than a week, it’s time to take them to a physician as these could be the clarion call against viral infections and lead to complications as pneumonia and others. At that time, a child should be taken for blood testing for malaria, dengue, typhoid, chikungunya, arbovirus and others including complete blood count. Parents generally take extra care of their children during the change in weather or when it rains badly. But, it is important to know that children require extra care across the seasons. Few of the common tips to protect children from viral infections are:
- Replace handkerchiefs with skincare wipe& tissue paper: Parents are often seen carrying cotton handkerchiefs for wiping the face or running nose of their children again and again, which can be dangerous because the children are getting re-exposed to the virus. The wet and medicated skincare wipes and tissue papers are mild on the skin in comparison to the cloth handkerchief. And the best part is that they can simply be disposed off after use. Parents should make sure to immediately wash hands with soap and water thoroughly to wash off the harmful bacteria which tend to cling to hands.
- Keep children away from those with infectious illness especially while playing with friends.
- Ensure good hygiene by keeping nails clean to prevent accumulation of germs and dirt.
- Maintain cleanliness around the children: Mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and bugs are the most active carriers of harmful bacteria and viruses. Children are their easy target. Check for any standing water nearby, in order to prevent mosquito breeding. Limit the outdoor visits of your children during the morning and evening. Keep neighborhood free from trash, discarded containers, and bins to inhibit mosquito breeding.
- Vaccinate in time: Vaccination is the best and effective way to protect infants and children from deadly infections and diseases. Still, parents overlook this aspect, which is important for their children’s well-being. Only when the signs and symptoms are visible, the parents rush to the hospital to get a vaccine. Vaccination for Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough, polio (IPV), rotavirus (RV), influenza (flu), measles and mumps in the early life of the child is imperative.
- Boost immunity: Strengthening the immune system of children is one of the unbeatable ways to provide protection against viral infections. Give nutritious food with a balanced diet. Freshfruits and veggies are must for children of all age groups. Keep children hydrated with water, milk, and fruit juice. Limit their intake of unhealthy food and snacks such as soda, chips, chocolates and cookies, and increase the consumption of oatmeal and cereals.
- Keep children indoors during the first rain of the season as it contains acidic elements which can cause skin problems and also because children tend to fall sick frequently during this season.
The writer is Dr ravi gaur MD Pathology & COO Oncquest Laboratories Limited, New delhi