Keeping Kids Healthy: Essential Tips for Preventing Infections This School Year
As the summer break concludes and children return to preschool and school, parents face the challenge of preventing infections among their kids. Jorge Sotoca, a pediatrician at Kry, shares insights on how to navigate this season of cold and flu viruses, which tend to flourish in indoor spaces as the weather cools.
Doctors note that with a significant number of people gathering indoors again, the risk of virus transmission increases. When many children are in close quarters, especially in school settings, the possibility of spreading illness rises dramatically. "When everyone is in the same place breathing the same air, it becomes very easy for an illness to spread," Sotoca explains. His advice underscores the importance of taking preventative measures to curb the wave of winter illnesses.
It's essential for parents to understand that it is quite normal for children to experience 10 to 15 harmless viral infections per year. "For young children, this is an important part of building their immune systems," says Sotoca. Exposure to various viruses helps children develop antibodies, akin to building a library of defenses against future sickness. This process is vital as they grow and will help them fend off more severe infections later in life.
To minimize the risk of infections this school year, here are some key recommendations from Sotoca: 1. Frequent Handwashing: Encourage children to wash their hands often, especially after returning home from school or playing with peers. This simple act can significantly reduce the likelihood of virus transmission. 2. Spend More Time Outdoors: As the weather permits, try to keep children engaged in outdoor activities, where the risk of infection is lower compared to crowded indoor environments. 3. Stay Home When Sick: The pandemic brought a newfound awareness around staying home when ill, and Sotoca emphasizes that this practice should continue. If your child shows symptoms of a cold or any illness, it's best for them to stay home to prevent spreading it to fellow classmates.
Parents should also remain vigilant about when to seek medical advice. If a child experiences recurrent severe infections or shows signs of a compromised condition, it's time to consult a healthcare professional. Kry offers services that allow parents to seek reassurance and care for their children's symptoms through video calls or in-person visits at one of their 30 healthcare centers. For parents, this resource can provide vital support when faced with the stresses of children's health.
Overall, it's important to recognize that while infections are part of childhood, there are steps that can be taken to reduce their frequency and severity. The combination of good hygiene, outdoor play, and responsible management of illness will help create a healthier environment for children to thrive in this school year and beyond.
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