The back-to-school season sees children energetically heading off to school, but it's also a "peak period" for viruses. Many parents, keen to prevent their children from falling ill, hope to keep them in a "germ-free world" to reduce the chance of infection. Some parents also give their children supplements to boost their immunity to prevent them from getting sick. However, minor illnesses can actually be a blessing. Paediatrician Dr. Tsui Tsz-kwan points out that children's immune systems need to be "trained." When infected, their bodies fight off different bacteria and germs through their own immune responses and produce antibodies, forming an effective "protective network." Dr. Tsui also advises parents to start with the basics, ensuring children get enough sleep daily, have a balanced diet, engage in plenty of exercise, and maintain personal hygiene. This can effectively prevent infectious diseases.
Tea breaks and playtime can easily lead to cross-infection.
Young children have not yet developed good hygiene awareness, so when someone in the class falls ill, it is difficult for their classmates to be spared. Dr. Xu said: "Influenza, hand, foot and mouth disease, viral gastroenteritis, and COVID-19 are all common infectious diseases after the start of the school term. Most of these diseases are spread through droplets or by contact with contaminated objects." Therefore, children's favourite snack times and playtime are "high-risk moments" for infection, as children eating together and sharing toys can easily lead to cross-infection and the spread of viruses.
Ignored or can lead to serious, potentially fatal complications
In cases where infectious disease symptoms are mild, patients only need to ensure adequate fluid intake and rest. They will generally recover on their own within about a week. However, Dr. Xu stressed: "If a child's symptoms do not improve after 2 to 3 days, they need to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent the condition from worsening or even developing complications." For example, young children infected with the novel coronavirus may, in severe cases, develop croup, with symptoms such as wheezing and difficulty breathing. Influenza can be complicated by encephalitis or pneumonia, which can be fatal in severe cases. Severe viral gastroenteritis also has the potential to lead to myocarditis or encephalitis, among other complications, therefore parents should not be complacent.
Dr. Xu shared that a primary school student, around two years old, fell ill shortly after starting school. Although they didn't have common cold symptoms, they had a persistent fever and a reduced appetite, prompting a visit to the doctor. After examination, the doctor discovered that the child's throat was covered in mouth ulcers, and blisters and red spots had appeared on their hands and feet, confirming a diagnosis of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease. Fortunately, the parents brought their child to seek medical attention early. After taking medication to relieve symptoms, increasing fluid intake, and resting at home, the child's condition has improved.
Immunity needs "real combat training".
When children are ill and suffering, parents are naturally worried, but in fact, the immune system's defence capabilities need to be "trained." Dr. Xu explains: "Before birth, infants receive various antibodies from their mother's body, and if the mother breastfeeds, the infant will have a certain level of immunity. However, after six months, their resistance gradually declines." Therefore, parents need not worry excessively. As long as the illness is dealt with promptly, the body's immune response after a child is infected will produce different antibodies, gradually forming a "protective net."
Boost immunity by starting with daily life
On the other hand, some parents give their children various dietary supplements, such as cod liver oil capsules and vitamin C, with the aim of boosting their immunity. Dr. Tsui believes that parents can also start from daily life, returning to basics, achieving a balanced diet, adequate rest, regular exercise, and stress reduction. Sustained effort will naturally strengthen immunity.
Source: topick (6 October 2023): https://topick.hket.com/article/3627513/
