Protecting Your Child's Health: Tips for Reducing Infections This School Year
As children return to preschool and school after a long summer break, the risk of infectious diseases circulating increases significantly. According to Dr. Jorge Sotoca, a pediatrician at Kry, the main cause for this rise in infections is the return of children to shared indoor environments. "When everyone is in the same place and breathing the same air, it's easy for infections to spread," explains Dr. Sotoca.
During the colder months, children often spend more time indoors, leading to higher transmission rates of various viruses. It's quite common for children to experience 10 to 15 mild viral infections in a year. Rather than cause alarm, this is a sign that their immune systems are developing as they encounter a wide array of viruses and build up antibodies over time.
Dr. Sotoca describes the immune process as akin to building a library—an essential task that takes years to complete. However, there are proactive steps that parents can take to mitigate the spread of infections.
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Frequent Hand Washing: At the top of the list of preventive measures is the importance of regular and thorough hand washing. This simple act can significantly reduce transmission of germs and viruses among children.
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Outdoor Activities: Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors, where fresh air can help decrease the concentration of airborne viruses, can be beneficial. Outdoor play is not only good for their physical health but can also help in minimizing the risk of illness.
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Stay Home if Sick: It's crucial that children (and adults) stay home from school or work when experiencing symptoms of illness. Dr. Sotoca points out that during the pandemic, it was more widely accepted for individuals to remain home when feeling unwell. Today, the stigma of taking sick days appears to have diminished somewhat, but the guidelines remain clear: staying home helps protect others from potential infections.
When should you consider seeking medical advice? If your child experiences repeated severe infections or any noticeable changes in their general condition, it's important to consult a healthcare professional. "At Kry, we provide timely help and reassurance. We offer personalized advice on symptom relief, and if necessary, we can conduct an assessment via a video call to determine if further treatment is needed," says Dr. Sotoca.
Kry provides a range of pediatric services, with experienced pediatricians, pediatric nurses, and child psychologists available around the clock through their app. Parents can either access care digitally or visit one of Kry's 30 physical health centers across the country. Best of all, visits are completely free for children. To learn more about the services offered at Kry and how they can assist you and your child, please follow the link to their website.
By taking proactive steps in promoting good hygiene practices and being attentive to your child's health, you can help them navigate through the school year while minimizing the risk of infections. Remember, a healthy child is a happy child!
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