Protecting children from seasonal diseases

CHILDREN are vulnerable to ailments borne out of weather changes. A slight change in the mercury may cause them problems like cough, fever, dehydration and diarrhoea. A sudden increase in infectious diseases during the monsoon often leaves us puzzled and wondering as to what might be the probable causes. Viral infection increases due to the damp and humid weather during summer and the rapid change in weather makes it convenient for bacteria and virus to grow. We need to be extremely cautious at this stage regarding water, air and mosquitoes as they are the primary factors that result in spreading the diseases. Mosquitoes here carry bacteria for deadly fevers like Dengue and Chikungunya. We can stay healthy if we maintain a proper immunisation schedule and adhere to hygienic practices, particularly in the preparation and consumption of food and water. Some conditions like viral fevers and acute respiratory infections may occur any time of the year or due to a sudden change in the weather. Children in rural areas may fall sick during summer mostly because they have prolonged bathe with rising temperature. According to ICDDR,B, the summer months of March and April are considered 'peak season' for diarrhoea and the hospitals register a very high number of diarrhoea patients during the period. We should take utmost care to keep children away from seasonal diseases particularly during the summer.

Md Saeed Hasan
Institute of Health Economics
University of Dhaka
[email protected]