While India is closely monitoring the situation outbreak of pneumonia-like infection among children in China, should we be concerned about standards of preventive health care in children, given that it is flu season? The Union Health Ministry is vigilant and sees no threat as of now, but given the pollution in some cities and the fact that this is the usual virus season, behavioral practices can go a long way. to strengthening respiratory hygiene. Dr Neetu Jain, senior consultant in pulmonology, critical care and sleep medicine at PSRI Hospital, Delhi, says there is no need to panic, but vigilance can keep children healthy.
What steps can we take to protect our children from any type of respiratory illness?
I would simply say to internalize the hygiene measures that we adopted during the pandemic. These include washing hands, making sure children cover their noses and mouths when sneezing and coughing, staying away from others and using tissues to do so. Use and dispose of these tissues safely. They should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer every time they touch their mouth or nose. They should wear masks in social situations.
The annual flu vaccine is essential. In India, it is best to get the flu vaccine after the monsoon and just before winter sets in or when the temperature drops. The vaccine takes about two to four weeks to generate the antibodies, so the child’s body is well equipped to fight viruses before flu season begins.
What things should parents pay attention to when their children go to play, ride a bike or go to school?
Parents should not send a sick child to school or public gatherings to avoid the spread of infections. The same steps should be followed by the school. Also ask your children if anyone else in their class is sick and let the school know in case they forget.
What steps should parents take to ensure their children stay pollution-free indoors?
In places like Delhi /NCR, it is very difficult to create a pollution-free environment. Don’t use smoke generators like incense sticks and avoid cleaning measures that spread dust into the air like sweeping and dry dusting. Try vacuuming instead. Avoid carpets where dust mites and germs regularly take hold.
What about newborns? How to protect them from pollution and other viruses?
The measures are the same for newborns, but they require additional care due to the fragility of their immune system. There is little information on this subject. Keeping hygiene intact is the most important. Newborns should be kept away from anyone with respiratory infections. One of the most important interventions is to keep vaccinations up to date.
Most importantly, we need to strengthen the child’s immune system, which has been compromised by prolonged lockdowns during the pandemic. And apart from the above, ensure good nutrition, good sleep and good physical activity. Supplements cannot give you immunity overnight.
