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How To Keep Children Safe From Monsoon Illnesses: Dengue, Chikungunya & Typhoid How To Keep Children Safe From Monsoon Illnesses: Dengue, Chikungunya & Typhoid

How To Keep Children Safe From Monsoon Illnesses: Dengue, Chikungunya & Typhoid


Surya Hospital

Surya Hospital

Surya Hospital 9 Min Read | 12

The rainy season is also accompanied by relief from heat but also humid stagnant conditions, which favor the growth of disease-causing organisms. Children are most susceptible to infection in this season, particularly mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya and water-borne diseases like typhoid.

Pediatric hospitals typically see more viral fevers, respiratory symptoms, diarrhea, and skin infections during the monsoon season. Having this knowledge and being preventive at the right time can be the game changer in keeping your child safe.

Dengue: Symptoms, Risks and Prevention

Dengue is a mosquito-borne illness caused by the Aedes mosquito, which naturally breeds in calm water collected in containers, tires, flowerpots, and rooftops. Children with dengue infection are likely to develop symptoms between 3 to 14 days after they were bitten.

Typical symptoms of dengue in children are:

  • Fever (typically between 102–104°F)
  • Severe headache, particularly behind the eyes
  • Painful muscles and joints
  • Rash, nausea, and vomiting
  • Weakness and sore glands

Although most children recover within a week, a few may get severe dengue, a more deadly form of the illness. It may include internal bleeding, platelet shortage, leakage of plasma, or organ damage. These might require hospitalization immediately.

Prevention Tips

  • Clear standing water from inside and around your house every week.
  • Use mosquito repellents (those that are ideally child-friendly) on exposed skin.
  • Dress your child in long sleeves.
  • Install screens on windows and doors to exclude mosquitoes.
  • Keep indoor spaces clean and dry.
     

Chikungunya: Joint Pain That Lingers

Chikungunya is yet another condition that the Aedes mosquito transmits. Although it presents much like dengue, perhaps the most distinctive feature is severe joint pain that may last for weeks or even months.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

  • Sudden and intense high fever
  • Intense pain in joints, particularly the hands, knees, and wrists
  • Weakness, rash, and headache
  • General body ache and nausea

Though never fatal, chikungunya can significantly interfere with your child's comfort and lifestyle due to chronic stiffness of joints.

Prevention Tips

It is identical to that of dengue:

  • Breeding sites for mosquitoes need to be eliminated.
  • Protective equipment and insect repellents are to be used.
  • Your house should be dry and well-ventilated.
     

Typhoid: Food and Water Safety Matters

Typhoid fever is caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacterium, usually acquired from consuming infected food or water. When there is poor sanitation during the monsoons, food cleanliness may be compromised, and typhoid is a common risk.

Symptoms

Symptoms of typhoid are:

  • Long-standing fever (103–104°F)
  • Headache and lassitude
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Constipation or loose stools
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sometimes a rash

Typhoid, if not treated, can lead to serious complications such as bleeding or intestinal perforation.

Prevention Tips

  • Ensure your child drinks only boiled or filtered water.
  • Avoid raw, undercooked, or street food.
  • Prevent strict hand hygiene after and before attending to the toilet.
  • Clean vegetables and fruits thoroughly.
  • Typhoid vaccination can be opted for if recommended by your pediatrician.
     

Other Common Monsoon Diseases

Besides mosquito- and water-borne diseases, children are also more prone to viral fevers, stomach infections, and respiratory conditions in the rainy season.

Viral Fevers

The majority of monsoon viral fevers are self-limiting but can be severe. Danger signs include high fever, sore throat, cough, body pain, and weakness. Though not serious in most instances, persistent fever could be a warning of an unsafe infection.

Diarrheal Diseases

Diarrhea is often caused by food and water contamination, especially among children. Look out for dehydration signs of dry mouth, reduced urination, or sunken eyes.

Respiratory Infections

The high allergens and humidity combined are likely to cause cough, cold, asthma, and other respiratory ailments in children, particularly those who have pre-existing conditions.
 

When to See a Doctor?

Monsoon-borne diseases can be solved by early medical attention. Seek the advice of a doctor if your child experiences any of the below:

  • Fever that doesn't subside for more than 3 days
  • Vomiting or refusal to eat
  • Rashes with bleeding
  • Breathing difficulty or chest pain
  • Diarrhea with dehydration symptoms
  • Excessive drowsiness or sleepiness

They could be warning signs of life-threatening conditions like dengue hemorrhagic fever, typhoid, or respiratory distress.
 

Building Immunity During Monsoon

Boosting your child's immunity actually helps fight off infections. A healthy diet, sound sleep, and regular exercise are the secrets.

How to enhance your child's immunity:

Include seasonal Vitamin C-rich fruits like oranges, guavas, and amla.

  • Add leafy greens, whole grains, and protein foods like lentils and eggs.
  • Encourage your child to drink lots of water even if they are less thirsty on colder days.
  • Adopt a regular sleep routine and limit screen time.

Hygiene Habits

Having good hygiene habits right from the beginning can greatly reduce your child's likelihood of falling ill.

Tell them to:

  • Wash their hands frequently, especially before eating and after going to the toilet.
  • Use sanitizers in case there is no water available.
  • Avoid touching their face and mouth with dirty hands.
  • Bathe every day and change clothes immediately after wet garments.
     

Home Remedies for Mild Symptoms

All monsoon diseases don't need medicines. Home treatment can make your child recover smoothly in case of mild symptoms.

  • For mild body pain or fever, give otc as suggested by your physician.
  • Make your child rest in a well-ventilated room.
  • Give lukewarm sponge baths to lower fever.
  • Provide lots of fluids such as ORS, soups, and coconut water.
  • Provide sufficient rest and sleep for early recovery.

Do not self-medicate or use antibiotics without a doctor's advice, particularly for viral fevers.
 

What to Have Handy During Monsoon?

Having a home kit handy for immediate handling of initial symptoms comes in handy:

  • Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)
  • Digital thermometer
  • Paracetamol syrup or tablets
  • Mosquito repellent cream or spray
  • Hand sanitizer and disinfectants
  • First-aid box with antiseptic and bandages

Keep also handy a list of emergency numbers and your child's medical history.

Teaching Kids About Safety

Knowledge is the best protector. Make children learn the basics of disease prevention:

  • Don't play in water puddles or muddy water.
  • Wear shoes when venturing out.
  • Report immediately if bitten by insects or experience pain.
  • Have only water provided at home or school.
  • Have only freshly cooked food and do not share lunch boxes.
  • Equipping them with information makes them more vigilant and responsible.

Conclusion

The monsoon is a time of happiness, new leaves, and fresh winds—but of greater health risk as well, especially for children. Using a prudent attitude that integrates preventive measures, hygiene, immunization, and early detection of symptoms, you can keep your child healthy and secure.

Let your child enjoy the rains without falling sick. Be careful, be prepared, and in doubt—do not hesitate, consult a doctor.

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