BS.CK1 Tran Nguyen Khoi - Deputy Head of the Outpatient Department, Children's Hospital 2 - said that the school start season is the time when children return to crowded learning environments, often in close contact with friends and teachers. This is a favorable condition for infectious diseases to spread, affecting children's health and learning.
According to Dr. Khoi, there are 4 groups of diseases that parents need to pay attention to during this period.
First, respiratory diseases. Most diseases are caused by viruses, transmitted through droplets when coughing, sneezing or close contact. Children may get seasonal flu, sore throat, tonsillitis, bronchitis, COVID-19...
Second, digestive diseases. Collective living, sharing utensils, food or drinks can increase the risk of infection. Some common diseases include digestive disorders, acute diarrhea and hand, foot and mouth disease.
Third, infectious diseases have preventive vaccines. Some children may not have been vaccinated or have not been fully vaccinated, increasing the risk of diseases such as diphtheria, whooping cough, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox...
Fourth, diseases related to hygiene and diet. Children may contract intestinal parasites such as worms, parasites or diseases transmitted through sharing towels and sinks, including conjunctivitis.
To proactively protect children, Dr. Khoi recommends that parents should check and fully get vaccinated according to the schedule; ensure nutrition, eat cooked food, drink boiled water; remind children to wash their hands regularly, especially before eating and after going to the toilet.
When going to crowded places, children should wear appropriate masks, cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing. If signs such as fever, cough, fatigue appear, parents need to let children take a day off from school, and at the same time notify teachers to limit the risk of spread.
Dr. Khoi recommends that when children have signs of illness, parents should take their children to a medical facility for examination, determination of the cause and timely treatment.
