Respiratory infections are on the rise among children, especially during unpredictable weather conditions. The summer months with their hot and humid conditions, interspersed with showers and thunderstorms, can create an ideal environment for pathogens to thrive. In fact, the Department of Pediatrics at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City reported a 50% increase in hospitalizations of children due to respiratory infections in comparison to May. Most of the hospitalized children were between 6 months to 5 years old, showing symptoms like cough, wheezing, and high fever.
To prevent respiratory diseases in young children, it is important for them to follow a schedule for vaccinations, wash their hands before eating, avoid contact with rainwater, and ensure they receive enough water and nutrition. Dr. Huynh Tran An Khuong, Medical Manager of VNVC Vaccination System emphasized the importance of these measures in preventing respiratory diseases during unpredictable weather conditions.
When it comes to water intake, families should offer children a variety of fluids such as fruit juice, milk, and electrolyte-rich drinks when they are active outdoors. In rainy and humid weather conditions where pathogens thrive more easily, it is crucial for children to drink enough water to keep their throat and nose moist and mucus-free. Water also helps maintain the elasticity of lung tissue and promotes proper lung function. However, it’s essential not to bathe immediately after being exposed to rainwater as sudden changes in body temperature can have negative effects on the body’s immune system.
Proper nutrition is also vital for a child’s health and immunity. Breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life and continued up until two years old to help boost the immune system. Older children should have a diet that includes carbohydrates, fats