O Winter it is a time of year when there is an increase in diseases that affect therespiratory system, such as the flu,rhinitis and laryngitis. This occurrence is related to factors such as sudden changes in temperature, low air humidity, increased pollution atmospheric and crowding of people indoors (In winter, people tend to stay in poorly ventilated environments and, thereby, it increases the transmission of bacterial and viral diseases.)
Read too: Why should we vaccinate against the flu every year?
Given this situation, it is important that our attention be focused on children, who are, together with the elderly and immunocompromised, among the groups most affected by the typical changes of winter. See below some tips important to take care of children's health this season.
Tips for child health in winter
→ Avoid closed environments
Although winter has low temperatures,
we cannot always leave the environment closed. Opening windows and doors is important for air circulation. In schools and day care centers, this is also an important recommendation, as closed environments can favor the transmission of diseases among local children.Do not stop now... There's more after the advertising ;)
→ Clean the environment well
A dirty environment negatively impacts the health of all people living in the place. In winter, dry and cold weather can favor respiratory problems, so the dust, for example, can be a great villain. An important point is avoid using a duster, as this tends to spread the dust through the environment. Smoking indoors is also a habit that should be avoided, as smoke in the environment can contribute to the development of respiratory problems.
Read too:5 common winter diseases
→ Avoid agglomerations
Avoid places with a lot of people it can help to prevent diseases, especially avoiding places where people are known to have communicable health problems. It is important to highlight that if the child is sick, he should not be sent to school or daycare, as it can contaminate other children.
→ Wear clothes suitable for cold weather
Children should wear suitable winter clothing, ie sweaters, jackets and pants, for example. Although this recommendation is followed by many people, many forget one crucial point: properly sanitize these clothes before use. In many cases, clothing for the cold season is stored for a long time, which can cause dust accumulation, for example. Failure to properly sanitize before use can trigger allergies.
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→ Always wash your hands
Hand cleaning is important any season of the year, being one of the main ways to prevent a series of diseases. Hand cleaning should be done, mainly, before eating or preparing food, after going to the bathroom and when there is contact with a sick person.
→ Taking care of food and hydration
Food is an important point in preventing disease, in winter or any other season. Adequate nutrition guarantees the strengthening the individual's defense system and, consequently, helps to prevent infections. Always remember that healthy eating should include plenty of vegetables, fruits and vegetables, as well as avoiding fat, sugars and processed foods. Hydration is also essential, so always provide your child with water and natural juices.
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→ Keep your vaccination card up to date
Vaccines are currently one of the most efficient mechanisms for protecting against certain infections. Among the diseases that can be prevented with vaccines, isá The the flu, a very common disease in winter. It is noteworthy that many diseases are eradicated thanks to vaccination and keeping the vaccines up to date is not just a form of individual prevention, but of the whole society, as it prevents the disease from circulating and affecting other people.
By Vanessa Sardinha dos Santos
Biology teacher
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SANTOS, Vanessa Sardinha dos. "Tips for Keeping Children Healthy in Winter"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/saude-na-escola/dicas-para-manter-a-saude-das-criancas-no-inverno.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
