How to protect your child from common summer illnesses

The scorching summer heat is back, but that doesn’t mean you can keep children from being exposed to the sun. Most of them spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, be it at school or on the playground. Prolonged hours of staying outdoors and not maintaining proper hygiene can increase children’s risk of falling sick. Let’s know more about summer illnesses:

Common summer illnesses in children

Dr Jaspreet Kaur, general physician and mother of Apeejay Model Town students Ekambir Singh and Simarbir Kaur, shares some of the common illnesses in children during summer:

*Waterborne diseases are common during summer. Kids commonly suffer from diarrhoea and dehydration. Sometimes, they also contract typhoid due to the consumption of infected water.

*Children may also suffer from fever like malaria and dengue, caused by mosquito bites.

*Skin allergies like prickly heat and boils are common during summer.

Also Read: How to survive the scorching heat?

*Upper respiratory tract infections like cough, which cause difficulty in breathing.

*Heat stroke can be caused due to excess exposure to the sun.

*Viral infections are very common during summers.

*Some also suffer from conjunctivitis during the harvest season.

What precautions can you take?

According to Dr Kaur, parents should keep the following tips in mind:

*Parents should ensure that the child has a balanced, nutritious breakfast before going to school.

*Children should always carry a water bottle to school and drink water frequently to stay hydrated.

*One can carry a sachet of oral rehydration solution (ORS) or electral powder. Children can drink this during their play breaks, which is when they are exposed to heat the most.

*If your child does not like plain water, they can drink coconut water, lemon water, or even buttermilk. Check out these summer coolers!

*Children should avoid eating outside food and carry hygienic homemade foods to school, including clean and fresh fruits and vegetables.

*As far as clothing is concerned, they should be made to wear loose cotton clothes.

*Most importantly, children should always maintain proper hygiene. They should wash their hands before eating a meal and after using the washroom.

These practices will help children stay healthy and protect them from diseases during summer.