Ways to Protect Children from Illnesses During the Winter Months

Ways to Protect Children from Illnesses During the Winter Months

With the arrival of winter and cold weather, the incidence of respiratory tract infections among children increases. Viruses transmitted through droplets, particularly in crowded and enclosed places such as schools, nurseries and shopping malls, are among the major causes of illness in children. Op. Dr. Nimet Özalp Devresen, an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist at Özel ENTO ENT Surgical Medical Center, stated that upper respiratory tract infections are the most common illnesses seen in children during the winter months.

The Common Cold Comes First

Op. Dr. Devresen stated that the common cold, or a cold, is among the most frequently seen infections in children and provided the following information about its symptoms:

“Three to four days after the virus is transmitted, symptoms such as sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose and a mild cough may begin. Most of these symptoms subside within approximately one week. However, the cough may persist for up to two weeks.”

Pay Attention to High Fever and Muscle Aches in Influenza

Devresen noted that influenza is another common illness among children during the winter months and emphasized that flu infections can cause more severe symptoms than the common cold.

“In addition to these symptoms, influenza can cause high and persistent fever as well as widespread body, muscle and joint aches. Abdominal pain, nausea and a severe loss of appetite may also accompany these symptoms.”

Keep Children Away from Crowded and Enclosed Places

Op. Dr. Devresen also listed precautions that families can take to protect children from winter illnesses. Emphasizing the importance of avoiding crowded and enclosed environments, she called on families to ventilate homes, classrooms and other enclosed living spaces regularly.

“We need to ventilate enclosed spaces frequently. During the winter months, let’s keep our children away from crowded and enclosed places as much as possible. Dress children appropriately for the ambient temperature. By maintaining a balanced diet, include seasonal vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C in their diet. Help our children develop the habit of washing their hands regularly.”

Regular Sleep Is Important for the Immune System

Emphasizing the importance of regular and adequate sleep for the immune system, Devresen stated that the hormone melatonin, which is synthesized during deep sleep, also plays a role in the functioning of the immune system, along with many other systems.

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