Essential Tips for Keeping Children Healthy and Active During Summer
As the rainy season begins in Dong Nai and other southern provinces, children face an increased risk of seasonal illnesses including respiratory infections, dengue fever, and hand-foot-mouth disease. Dr. Tran Le Duy Cuong, deputy head of the Department of Respiratory Diseases at Dong Nai Children’s Hospital, reports that humid weather conditions and increased time spent indoors create favorable environments for these health issues to spread among children with weakened immune systems.
Did You Know?
During the onset of the rainy season, medical facilities typically see a rise in patients suffering from pneumonia, bronchitis, and asthma, with high admission rates often persisting through the end of the year.
Managing Respiratory Health at Home
Dr. Tran Le Duy Cuong advises parents to maintain indoor air quality by keeping air conditioning set between 26–28 °C and ensuring units are cleaned regularly. To prevent respiratory irritation, children should not be exposed to direct cold airflow from cooling systems. If using a fan to improve air circulation, parents should avoid directing the airflow at the child’s face or body for extended periods. Proper ventilation and ensuring children remain well-hydrated are essential steps for maintaining health during this period.
Preventing Seasonal Illnesses
Dengue fever, diarrhea, and hand-foot-mouth disease are prevalent year-round but often surge during the rainy season. To combat dengue, Dr. Tran Le Duy Cuong recommends removing standing water sources, such as in flower vases, and ensuring children sleep under mosquito nets. For hand-foot-mouth disease, hygiene is critical; parents should ensure children wash their hands with soap before eating and after using the restroom, while also regularly sanitizing toys and household surfaces. If a child develops symptoms like fever, cough, or diarrhea, parents are advised to seek professional medical diagnosis rather than attempting to treat the child with antibiotics at home.
Expert Insight:
The shift in patient volume at the Dong Nai Children’s Hospital suggests that while inpatient numbers can fluctuate, the clinical severity of cases—some requiring advanced CPAP respiratory support—highlights the importance of early intervention. Parents should prioritize professional medical assessment over self-medication to ensure appropriate treatment paths for respiratory and infectious conditions.
Safe Summer Exercise Practices
Physical activity is encouraged to improve fitness, but it requires careful management during the summer months. Swimming is a recommended activity, though Dr. Tran Le Duy Cuong warns against sharing towels, which can transmit skin diseases. Children should avoid swimming during the midday heat, with 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. being the preferred times. Following any exercise, children should be provided with healthy snacks like fruit or milk rather than energy-poor fast foods, which can contribute to digestive issues and weight gain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common illnesses for children during the rainy season?
According to Dr. Tran Le Duy Cuong, the most frequent conditions include respiratory infections, diarrhea, hand-foot-mouth disease, dengue fever, and various skin diseases.
How should parents manage air conditioning to protect their children?
Parents should keep the temperature between 26–28 °C, clean the units regularly, and ensure that the child is not positioned directly in the path of the cold air.
Why is self-treating with antibiotics discouraged?
Medical experts advise against self-medication because a professional diagnosis is necessary to determine the underlying cause of symptoms like fever or cough, ensuring the child receives the correct medical treatment.
What steps are you taking to ensure your child stays healthy and active during the upcoming season?