Prevention of upper respiratory tract infections in children during the change of seasons

The article was written by Professor, Doctor, Doctor Pham Nhat An - Director of the Center for Pediatrics and Head of Pediatric Inpatient Department - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.

Upper respiratory tract infections often occur at the time of season change, when it is cold, the humidity in the air is low, children can get this disease about 6 to 8 times a year. To help parents know how to take care of their children, detect and treat them promptly when their children have an upper respiratory infection at home, here are the instructions of Prof. Dr. Pham Nhat An - Director of the Pediatric Center at Vinmec Times City Hospital.

1. Causes of upper respiratory tract infections Viruses. Due to bacteria. Due to a cold. In addition, because children's immune systems are still weak, they are prone to respiratory infections such as nasopharyngitis, tonsillitis, V/A, sinusitis, and otitis media.
2. Favorable conditions cause upper respiratory tract infections Due to changes in weather, especially when the seasons change. The disease usually occurs at the time of season change (about September to March), when it becomes cold, the humidity in the air decreases. The disease is more common in premature infants, low birth weight, malnourished, immunocompromised, or chronically ill and not breastfed. Children live in cramped, polluted, poor sanitation, smoke, and tobacco environments. The environment has a source of transmission: children breathe in secretions containing bacteria or viruses that are sprayed by an infected person when they sneeze, have a runny nose, children hold contaminated objects and toys that are contaminated with secretions or are present. of pathogenic microorganisms.

3. Some symptoms when a child has an upper respiratory infection Fever, cough, runny nose. Children anorexia, vomiting, digestive disorders. Children may cry at night if they have otitis media, sinusitis... 4. How to prevent upper respiratory tract infections Keep children warm when the weather turns cold, especially when taking children outdoors at night or early morning, in important positions such as feet, hands, chest, neck, head. Breastfeed your baby from the first hours after birth and maintain until 2 years of age. Eat solids at the right time with the right nutrition. Let children drink more water, eat enough nutrients, increase green vegetables and fruits to increase resistance. Have your child fully vaccinated. Keep the child clean, clean the nose and throat daily with physiological saline solution. Avoid colds for children by not giving them foods that are too cold. Should not be exposed to the environment with cigarette smoke and dust, keep the house well ventilated and clean. Limit bringing children to crowded places during the epidemic season. Wear a mask when in contact with sick people. Detect early signs of upper respiratory infection in children so that they can consult a doctor promptly.

In addition, in order to prevent upper respiratory tract diseases during the change of seasons, parents should pay attention to nutrition to improve resistance for children. At the same time, add supporting foods containing lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, B vitamins,... snacks and less digestive problems.
Parents can learn more:
Why do you need to supplement Lysine for your baby?
The role of zinc - Guidelines for reasonable zinc supplementation
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