The early years are extremely important for a child’s development. Parents need to take extra care towards the child’s health as they are more sensitive and prone to catch diseases. A child’s immune system is not developed enough to fight illness and disease-causing factors. It is a common and inevitable circumstance that a child is often sick and upset. However, it is always better to be aware and equipped to fight common ailments.Also Read – Gas Problems: 5 Home Remedies for Those Who Can’t Stop Bloating or Farting
Mentioned below are 5 common illnesses that children are likely to catch.
- Cold: This is the most common illness that children get many times a year. That’s because babies aren’t immune to the virus. The symptoms disappear within a few days and are not very serious. Treatment is to relieve symptoms and visit a doctor to check for other causes.
- Roseola: It is caused by human herpes virus type 6 (HHV-6) which leads to rash and short fever. The virus is spread through saliva; It can be through physical contact or through toys and surfaces. If the child catches roseola, keep him hydrated and cool, and give medicine to reduce the fever.
- Stomach flu: Also called gastroenteritis. It often leads to diarrhea and vomiting. It also reduces pain and appetite in children. Keep a close eye on the cleanliness of the food eaten by the child as the virus is spread through contaminated food.
- Ear and eye infections: Ear infections can cause pain and other symptoms such as loss of balance, trouble sleeping, and discharge from the ears. Pink eye or conjunctivitis is the most common form of eye infection in babies and children that leads to inflammation.
- Apart from these above ailments, a child’s weak immune system makes them more susceptible and vulnerable to some serious health conditions like malaria, pneumonia, influenza, tuberculosis, etc. Awareness and vigilance go a long way in protecting children from these diseases in the early stages. Visit a doctor at the first sight of symptoms and take precautionary measures for the good health of the child.
(With inputs from Dr. Sunil Kumar G, Consultant Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Apollo Cradle and Children’s Hospital) Also Read – Empty Stomach Bread: Eating Bread on an Empty Stomach Good or Bad for Health? Expert Answers
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