In the rainy season, the weather starts to cool down and humidity increases. Such weather conditions allow germs to thrive and spread easily. Parents must be especially careful because the main cause of diseases is contact with germs, either through close contact with sick people, breathing, or orally. Therefore, maintaining good hygiene is the best way to prevent illness.
5 Practices Covering 5 Common Infectious Diseases in the Rainy Season
- Wash hands every time before and after using the restroom and before eating.
- Avoid taking children to crowded public places; if unavoidable, always have them wear a mask.
- Complete the basic vaccinations and get additional vaccines as recommended by the doctor. Monitor symptoms closely when sick, and consult a doctor immediately if anything unusual occurs.
- Eat a balanced diet with all five food groups, consume freshly cooked food, and use a serving spoon habitually. Additionally, encourage age-appropriate exercise.
- Maintain a clean, bright, and well-ventilated environment both inside and around the house.
5 Common Infectious Diseases in Children During the Rainy Season
- Influenza is caused by the influenza virus, which has 3 strains affecting humans: A, B, and C. Infection causes high fever, cough, runny nose, headache, body aches, lethargy, irritability, and poor appetite. For newborns, doctors recommend monitoring symptoms at the hospital.
Prevention through vaccination can start from 6 months of age. For children younger than 6 months, it is recommended to vaccinate caregivers, such as parents or babysitters. For children aged 6 months to 9 years, the first year requires 2 doses spaced one month apart to fully stimulate immunity. Children aged 9 years and older only need one dose in the first year, followed by annual booster shots.
- Diarrhea can be caused by both viruses and bacteria and is common in children under 5 years old. Initial symptoms include diarrhea more than 3 times a day. When a child has diarrhea or vomiting, they may become dehydrated and lose electrolytes. Parents must closely observe symptoms and seek medical attention immediately.
Currently, there is a rotavirus vaccine available for prevention, administered orally and approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It is effective in preventing the disease, reducing severity, and is very safe. The first dose is given to children older than 6 weeks, with subsequent doses 4 weeks apart, totaling 2 or 3 doses depending on the vaccine type. For older children, focus on maintaining personal hygiene.
- Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is caused by a virus and commonly affects children under 5 years old. It spreads easily through saliva, contact with mouth sores, or contaminated food. Infected children may have a high fever
and develop clear blisters on the palms, soles, mouth, tongue, and gums, accompanied by pain. Symptoms usually resolve within 5-7 days. Complications can include encephalitis or myocarditis. Therefore, if a child shows symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease, take them to see a doctor immediately. Once diagnosed, the child must stay home from school for at least one week or until the sores heal.
- Dengue Fever is an infectious disease caused by a virus with 4 strains, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Infected children experience high fever, headache, muscle pain, bone pain, and may have bleeding spots on the skin.
The best prevention is to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. There is a dengue vaccine available for children aged 9 years and older up to adults aged 45 years. Consult a doctor if you wish to receive the vaccine.
- Meningitis is caused by infection with the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. Infected children may have high fever, lethargy, seizures, and weakness in limbs. Parents must closely observe symptoms because young children cannot express how they feel. If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.
Since pneumococcal bacteria spread through the respiratory tract, avoid taking children to crowded places. If unavoidable, children should wear masks and receive booster vaccinations at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, with a booster at 12-15 months. For children starting vaccination at 7-11 months, two doses spaced two months apart are given, with a booster at 12-15 months. Children aged 1-5 years who have never received this vaccine should get one dose, except those with weakened immune systems or at high risk for severe pneumococcal infection, who should receive two doses spaced two months apart.
