Sherif Helmy - Cairo
We are now facing the coldest winter weather, the most difficult period for mothers, given the weakened immune systems of their children, especially with their small bodies ready to catch viruses and bacteria of all kinds.
In this context, specialists highlight how to deal with the most common diseases of children at this time, as well as provide some general preventive advice.
| Temperature variation is the main cause of the spread of viruses and bacteria in children (sites of communication) |
Temperature is not a disease in itself
Pediatric and neonatologist Dr. Nader Seif explains that the variation in temperature from one day to another during the winter is the main cause of the spread of viruses and bacteria that affect the weak immune systems of children, patients and the elderly.
Dr. Saif added that winter diseases either affect the digestive system, and the symptoms are diarrhea, exhaustion and others. Or respiratory tract, which leads to coughing, coughing, nasal obstruction, chest infections, ears and tonsils.
He advised Saif in the event of a child stomach disease and vomiting and diarrhea, giving him large amounts of fluids to avoid being infected with drought, with the speed of going to the specialist doctor.
Dr. Seif noted that influenza is one of the most powerful respiratory viruses in children. It is accompanied by high temperature rise, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, body drop, sore throat and decreased appetite.
The pediatrician and neonatal specialist stressed the need to vaccinate children over six months against influenza before or during the winter, especially those suffering from chest diseases, or heart defects, or chronic diseases such as diabetes, or lack of excessive immunity, pointing out that this reduces the likelihood of injury Disease, or exposure to less severe symptoms in case of infection.
| Vaccination of children over six months against influenza reduces their risk of infection (sites) |
Dealing with heat
Dr. Seif pointed out that the most frightening thing for mothers is their children's temperature. This increase is due to the resistance of the body to a viral or microbial attack, which is a sign of the possibility of an illness, but heat is not a disease in itself.
Dr. Saif directed the mothers to measure the temperature by placing the thermometer under the child's armpit, since it is the most accurate measurement, and if the temperature exceeds the barrier of 38 degrees; it is necessary to reduce the clothes and ventilate the room well, in addition to the work of cold water compresses by cotton towel, Head, neck, hands, feet, with completely away from the ice compresses.
If the temperature continues to rise, Dr. Saif ordered the use of antihypertensive drugs suitable for the age of the child, after consultation with the specialist.
| Child fever is a sign of the likelihood of an illness, but it is not a disease itself . |
Neglecting ear infection damages the child's hearing
In the same context, the consultant of children and newborns Dr. Yasser Abdullah said that otitis media is one of the most common diseases in children in the winter, the symptoms of continuous screaming, and inability to sleep, with the possibility of a liquid discharge from the ear, which requires Visit the doctor immediately; to avoid worsening the problem that may reach the extent of harm to the child's hearing.
On daily precautionary measures to prevent ear infections, Dr. Abdullah advised mothers to clean the baby's ears continuously, with the baby at the top of the head during feeding; to avoid storing the milk around the ear area.
Finally, Dr Abdullah stressed the importance of eliminating the mucus of the child when he is in the vicinity of the nose and ear, by using the natural salt spray every two hours.
Do not accept children
For her part, the pediatrician Dr. Aisha Mohammed provided some general advice to prevent children from various diseases throughout the winter.
In the case of children under 6 months of age, she stressed the importance of taking vitamin D to prevent various diseases, while avoiding the need for children to leave the home only for the most urgent need.
She stressed the need to keep children away from crowded places and not to be kissed by others, especially those with injuries, while washing children's hands continuously throughout the day. She also drew attention to the importance of separating the sick and healthy brothers inside the home.
Dr. Aisha Mohammed called on the mothers to keep the house clean, to get rid of garbage cans on a daily basis, and to clean and sterilize children's toys, house surfaces, floors and door handles periodically.
| If the child is exposed to fever or difficulty breathing, it should be shown to the doctor (contact sites) |
Precautions and a healthy diet
Dr. Aisha recommends a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits that strengthen the immune system of children, and increase the drinking of liquids and herbs warm throughout the winter by children over a year, as it works to calm the chest, and helps to prevent and cure respiratory diseases .
And on the number of hours of sleep for the child, the child specialist explained the need to take the child enough sleep at night, a minimum of eight hours; to strengthen the immune system.
Dr. Aisha pointed out that she does not like children's showers during cold waves. Instead, mothers can only wipe the face and nose with a cloth dampened with warm water.
Finally, Dr. Aisha advised the doctor if the child was exposed to fever (fever), difficulty breathing during breastfeeding, or continued coughing for long hours during sleep.