Diseases affecting children in winter

Diseases affecting children in winter
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Winter brings cold weather that makes children more vulnerable to certain illnesses. Due to their more delicate bodies and weaker immune systems compared to adults, children are at a higher risk of catching seasonal diseases.

This article will discuss the most common winter illnesses affecting children, their symptoms, and treatment methods.

Cold

The common cold is one of the most frequent illnesses during winter. It is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract and spreads easily in schools and daycare centers due to close contact.

Symptoms of Cold:

  • Runny or blocked nose
  • Continuous sneezing
  • Dry or mucus-filled cough
  • Slight fever
  • General fatigue and tiredness

Treatment of Cold

  • Ensure the child gets enough rest and drinks warm fluids like soup or herbal teas
  • Use saline nasal drops to relieve nasal congestion
  • Administer fever-reducing medication like paracetamol, but only after consulting a doctor
  • Avoid antibiotics, as they are ineffective against viruses

Sore Throat

Sore throat is a common condition in winter, caused by sudden weather changes or infections, whether bacterial or viral. It often leads to pain during swallowing and can disrupt the child’s daily routine.

Symptoms Of  Sore Throat

  1. Severe pain in the throat
  2. Difficulty swallowing
  3. Redness in the throat, sometimes accompanied by white patches
  4. Hoarseness or temporary voice loss

Sore Throat Treatment :

• Use fever-reducing medications or antiviral drugs as prescribed by a doctor

Gastroenteritis 

Gastroenteritis is a common winter illness caused by viruses such as norovirus. It spreads easily among children and mainly affects the digestive system, causing significant discomfort.

Symptoms of Gastroenteritis :

  • Nausea and frequent vomiting
  • Diarrhea, sometimes severe
  • Abdominal pain and cramps
  • Mild fever in some cases

Treatment of Gastroenteritis :

  • Rehydrate the child using oral rehydration solutions to prevent dehydration
  • Provide light, easily digestible foods like bananas and boiled rice
  • Consult a doctor if the symptoms persist or worsen

Tips to Reduce Winter Illnesses

  • Maintain Hygiene: Encourage children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water to prevent the spread of infections.
  • Keep Warm: Ensure proper layering of clothing, especially during sleep and outdoor activities.
  • Boost Immunity: Include foods rich in Vitamin C, such as oranges and kiwis, in their diet to strengthen their immune system.
  •  Avoid Exposure to Sick Individuals: Teach children to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of illness.
  • While winter illnesses are common, they can often be prevented or managed with simple precautions.
  • Ensuring your child stays healthy during this season is crucial for their overall well-being.

References:

https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/5-common-winter-illnesses-in-kids

https://altibbi.com/%D9%85%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%B7%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9/%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B6-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B7%D9%81%D8%A7%D9%84/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B7%D9%81%D8%A7%D9%84-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B6-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A1-576

 

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