Winter is just around the corner and so do the festivities. It is the time when the mercury level starts dipping in the weather. While we welcome the cold season, seasonal ailments start to appear as soon as it gets cold. Like adults, children also suffer from many winter ailments. It is sometimes hard to avoid seasonal illnesses like the flu, cold and other upper respiratory ailments. Vaccination can protect against the flu, but this does not prevent other types of seasonal ailments. Take your child to Manipal Hospitals, the best paediatric hospital in Bangalore for vaccination.
Some of the Common Winter Ailments in Children
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Common Cold
The common cold is caused by a virus and is the most common illness in children. In most cases, it is mild and lasts for a week or two. Symptoms may include a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and a cough. Cold can be treated with over-the-counter cold medicines.
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Flu
Also known as Influenza, Flu is a more often viral illness. It can cause fever, chills, cough, fatigue, and muscle or body aches. Influenza can sometimes lead to pneumonia, which is a serious lung infection. Antiviral medicines can be used to treat flu, but they must be started within two days of the onset of symptoms.
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Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is another common winter ailment in children. It is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. It mostly affects infants and young children. Symptoms include a runny nose, a cough, and difficulty breathing.
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Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can cause a sore, itchy throat. It is most commonly seen in children but can occur in adults as well. Symptoms include fever, headache, and a rash. Strep throat Treatment typically involves antibiotics.
While you can’t really predict these winter ailments, you can take a few precautions that can be useful to keep your child healthy in winter.
Best Ways to Prevent Seasonal Illnesses
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Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after being in contact with someone who is ill. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable.
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Avoid touching your face. Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unclean hands can lead to infection.
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Wear layers of clothing to stay warm and dry. This will help your body to fight off infection and prevent catching a cold and cough.
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Drink plenty of fluids. This will help to keep your mucous membranes moist, making it harder for viruses to enter your body. Additionally, a balanced diet can prevent gastroenteritis illnesses. To know more consult with our paediatrician in Whitefield, Bangalore.
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Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. Sneezing and coughing can spread infection. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.
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Avoid close contact with sick people. In case of sickness, stay home to prevent spreading your illness to others.
During the winter, it is crucial to consider your child's physical and mental health. By adopting healthy habits and safety precautions, you can reduce their risk of getting sick and have a blissful and healthy holiday season.
Make sure you look out for symptoms your child may experience. If s/he has a fever and fatigue, you should speak with a Paediatrician at the earliest. Please book an appointment with a Consultant – Paediatrics at Manipal Hospital Whitefield.
Consultant - Paediatrics
Manipal Hospitals, Whitefield, Vijayawada
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