Caring for a sick child can be overwhelming for parents, especially when childhood illnesses like colds, fevers, and stomach bug cases are on the rise. The symptoms range from mild discomfort to more serious conditions requiring medical attention. With seasonal illnesses on the rise, it is the need of the hour for children to stay hydrated, eat home-cooked food, stay up-to-date with vaccinations, and maintain personal hygiene.
Dr Sanjay Wazir, medical director (NCR)- Neonatology and Paediatrics, Motherhood Hospitals, Gurgaon said, “Currently, a large number of children are falling sick due to sudden weather changes, eating outside food, and poor sanitation. The child’s immune system is still developing, making them more susceptible to infections. 7 in 10 school-going children aged 5-12 come with symptoms such as fever, cold, cough, wheezing, runny nose, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, abdominal distress, bloating, cramping, dehydration, body ache, joint pain, constipation, and diarrhea. While most childhood illnesses are mild and can be managed with proper care, parents should monitor symptoms closely and report to the doctor without any further delay. However, if symptoms worsen, such as difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, or high fever that does not improve with medication, parents should seek prompt treatment.”
Dr Sanjay added, “Ensuring a clean and safe home environment, practicing good hygiene, following cough etiquette, not being around sick people, wearing a mask, hand sanitizing, social distancing, and staying up to date with vaccinations are additional ways to protect children from frequent illnesses. Remember, parents should not send their children to school if they are sick. Ensure the child eats home-cooked food, says NO to processed, junk, and sugary foods, drinks boiled water, and exercises daily to help the child stay healthy and hearty. Give medication to the child as per the expert’s advice for managing fever.