Your Child May Get Sick As This Viral Season, But Do Not Panic, Says Pediatrician

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Boston-based pediatrician has advised parents not to worry too much when their child falls ill during the changing seasons. According to Dr Leah Rappaport, it is normal for children to get sick as it helps build their immunity. “Your child will get sick. Often. That does not mean their immune system is weak. It means it is doing exactly what it is supposed to,” she wrote on her Instagram. “Building immunity does not come from supplements or juices. It comes from getting sick and recovering. This is how the immune system learns,” she added.

Why do kids fall ill during changing weather?

According to experts, most kids fall ill during season changes due to environmental shifts like temperature fluctuations, increased indoor time, and a surge in airborne viruses and allergens. While it is believed that changes weaken their immune systems - making them more vulnerable to illnesses like colds, flu, and allergies – Dr Rappaport says even fevers are not dangerous. “A fever means the body has turned up the temperature to help fight infection,” she said. Seasonal changes also spike the rise in allergens like pollen, which trigger allergy symptoms and make children more susceptible to other illnesses.

How to keep children healthy during weather changes?

To protect children, parents need to focus on a few things, such as:

Good nutrition

A healthy and balanced diet is the first step towards improving your child's health and immunity. As parents, make sure to have the kids eat seasonal fruits and green leafy vegetables so that they get a good vitamin supply in their diet.

Hand hygiene

Teach the kids proper hand and respiratory hygiene, which is especially important since most illnesses start due to pathogens. Good hand and respiratory hygiene will protect them from loose motions, typhoid, and various other viral infections.

Protection from mosquitoes

While monsoons are almost over, mosquitoes are still thriving. Make sure there is no water stagnation near your house. Use a mosquito net or apply repellents to your children to protect them from mosquito bites.

Bathroom hygiene

Teach your child proper hygiene measures before and after using the toilet.

Regular vaccination

Vaccination or immunization is one of the most effective ways to prevent diseases. A vaccine or immunization is a way to build the body's natural immunity to a disease before the individual gets sick. This acts as a protective shield and helps to keep various ailments and diseases under check.

Regular exercise and workouts

It is important for children to get involved in regular exercise and workouts to keep them active and fit. Many children get used to a sedentary lifestyle, playing video games at home, leading to childhood obesity, which unfortunately has become quite common among kids nowadays. Obesity might lead to complications like diabetes and hypertension. In fact, exercise can also boost immunity in children.