When babies are born, their immune system is still in a developing stage and it tends to get stronger with each passing year. At the time of the birth, some of the antibodies produced inside the mother’s body are passed on to the child and these offer temporary protection for the first few weeks following the birth. This is commonly referred to as passive immunity. As time passes by, the baby starts developing its own immunity, fully maturing by the time they reach 7 – 8 years of age. It is due to this very reason that that infectious diseases in children are common and parents need to take extra care to alleviate the risks of the same. Here are a few tips that can help you to shield your little ones from the risks of infections.
Keep your child’s immunisations updated
Making sure your child receives all of their immunisations on time is one of the most crucial things you can do to protect them from diseases. The immune system of the body is stimulated by vaccines to develop antibodies that can combat particular viruses or bacteria. When a sufficient number of people in a community receive vaccinations, infectious disease transmission can be halted.
Promote regular hand washing
Teach your child the importance of often washing their hands, particularly after using the lavatory, before eating, and after being in public places. One of the simplest and most efficient ways to stop the transmission of illnesses is by washing your hands.
Whenever you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth and nose.
When your child coughs or sneezes, teach him/her the importance of covering his/her mouth and nose. This may aid in limiting the transmission of pathogens. Make your kids develop a habit of carrying a handkerchief all the time.
Avoid being in close proximity to sick people.
Teach your children to stay away from sick family members or neighbours if at all possible. By doing this, diseases may be stopped from spreading. Encourage your child to wash their hands frequently and refrain from touching their face if they do come into contact with someone who is ill.
Clean up the surroundings around your child.
Maintaining a clean home can help stop the spread of illnesses. To clean regularly touched items like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops, use disinfectant wipes or sprays.
Instil in your kid healthy routines.
Encourage your child to have an active lifestyle, consume a healthy diet, and get adequate rest. Their immune system can be strengthened and their risk of infection can be decreased by leading a healthy lifestyle.
Breastfeed your baby
Antibodies found in breast milk can help shield your infant from illnesses. Try to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of a baby’s life.
Maintain your child out of the way of cigarette smoke
The immune system of your child can be weakened by cigarette smoke, which raises their risk of infection. If you smoke or someone else in your home does try to stop or smoke somewhere else where your child won’t be around.
Keep track of your child’s regular medical exams.
Regular medical exams can aid in the early detection and treatment of illnesses. Ensure that your child has regular check-ups and screenings for infections like pneumonia, TB, and other diseases.
Do not exchange personal things
Teach your children to refrain from lending out personal stuff like spoons, combs, and toothbrushes. In places like schools or day-care centres where many kids are in close quarters, sharing personal items can raise the risk of infection transmission. Ensure that your kid uses their own personal belongings and keeps them sterile and tidy.
In conclusion, defending your child from illnesses is a continuous process that demands work and focus. You may reduce your child’s risk of illness and maintain their health by taking these easy actions. Never forget to consult pediatric infectious disease hospital if you have any worries about your child’s health or well-being.