Blogs

Protecting Your Children from Diseases Around Them

By Vincent Hughes posted 07 Oct, 2020 22:03

  

Kids get sick, and that is a reality that every parent faces. Unless you plan to raise your child in a plastic bubble, yours will get ill at some stage. This means doctor’s visits, hospitalization, medicine, and the inevitable bills that follow.

However, the risk of disease should be balanced against the need to let your children be kids and enjoy a normal childhood. The good news is that many of these diseases are not life-threatening, and there are preventative steps you can take to avoid them.

Immunization

As a parent, you might believe that vaccinations are dangerous for children, as is your right. However, most research indicates that the benefits significantly outweigh the risks. Causal links between immunization and conditions like autism are frequently discussed in the media. While they should not be dismissed, they should be questioned when deciding to immunize your child.

Vaccinations protect your child from dangerous diseases like chickenpox, measles, and rubella, and prevent outbreaks in communities. These illnesses still have the potential to be fatal, and they spread like wildfire. 

The list of side effects is short and not deemed permanent. They are also a requirement for admission to many daycare centers and public schools.

Protection against airborne diseases

You might see immunocompromised children wearing face masks to prevent infections. It is a proven method of protecting them against airborne diseases. However, many parents are starting to use these barriers on their children regardless of their immune system status. Think of an organic face mask from Optimally Organic as an additional obstacle a bacteria or virus must penetrate before it enters your kid’s body.

Bacteria and viruses do not survive long outside a host’s body as dry air and sunshine are not favorable breeding grounds for them. Instead, they prefer dark, moist conditions, such as those in a throat. Making it harder for them to reach their destination of choice can prevent your child from getting sick.

Surface transmission

Some germs and viruses linger on surfaces for longer than you might think, meaning that basic hygiene is important. From as early as possible, teach your child about handwashing after using the bathroom and playing, and before eating. Use disinfectant handwash solution as it kills bacteria, and then emphasize the importance of drying hands thoroughly after washing.

Shared toys should also be disinfected regularly as their nooks and crannies are a preferred breeding ground for germs and viruses. Even though they spend a lot of time in the water, bath toys pose a significant risk and should be disinfected often.

Places and things to avoid

Do not send your children to daycare or school when they are ill as they pose a risk to others. These facilities must ensure that sick children go home. Unfortunately, not all parents follow this simple guideline. If there is an outbreak of colds, flu, or other illnesses going around, keep your child home for a few days until the risk has passed. 

During flu season, avoid taking your child into public spaces with large crowds in confined spaces. Do not expose your child to passive smoking as it causes inflammation of the throat and lungs, making a child more susceptible to infections.

Immune system boosts

Even if your child is eating a healthy diet, a vitamin supplement that boosts their immune system is advantageous. A robust immune system is the body’s last line of defense once germs and viruses reach the body. 

Most vitamins have immune-boosting properties, although Vitamin C is the best-known for this function. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a suitable supplement for your child based on their age.

0 comments
1 view

Permalink