Monsoon wellness for children: How to keep your kids immune and healthy during rainy season

Monsoon has finally brought in much-needed respite from the unbearable summer heat. However, the onset of monsoon also coincides with the reopening of schools after a long and hearty summer vacation. Many children have to brave rain and waterlogging to get to school every day. Adding to it are air-conditioned classrooms with poor ventilation which become a melting pot of germs, leading to frequent bouts of illnesses amongst the little ones.

Protect from mosquitoes

Parents and caregivers have to be extra cautious during this season. Water logging combined with incessant rain becomes the breeding ground for diseases like Dengue, Cholera, Typhoid Fever, Malaria, etc. These diseases cause hundreds of hospital admissions, and in many cases can even turn fatal for both kids & adults. Thus, it is important to ensure that no stagnant water is collected anywhere around the house. Empty out vessels that are used to collect water, make sure pipes and potted plants are not overflowing or leaking. Aedes mosquitoes, which are responsible for spreading dengue, usually bite two hours before sunset and two hours after sunrise, so keep your windows closed during this time. Using mosquito nets and chemical repellents is an added measure.

Drink clean water

According to Dr Asmita Mahajan, Consultant Neonatologist & Pediatrician, SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim - A Fortis Associate, “Water contamination is an age-old monsoon issue that causes diseases like dysentery, typhoid, cholera etc. Make sure to carry bottled water for your kids and for yourself when you go out or opt for only packaged mineral water. Avoid consuming street food as much as possible during monsoon.”



Consume fresh produce
Avoid pre-packed and processed foods as they have more fats, sugars and sodium. Include as many fresh foods as you can - all the colors of different vegetables and fruits keep the child healthy & their digestion good. Stock only nutritious food at home so that kids don’t get their hands on unhealthy snacks. Avoid fatty, oily and spicy food; daily junk food is a strict ‘no’. You can use cheese, eggs, and dips to make their usual food more interesting.



Exercise

Regular physical activities do wonders for children and their mental health, but it is best to limit outdoor activities during monsoon. Try engaging them with indoor activities like puzzles, board games or encourage them to read more books. It is important to keep their immunity up during this season, thus, make sure they consume food rich in Vitamin C like Oranges, Strawberries, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, etc.

Practice hygiene

It is also extremely important to practice good hand hygiene to ward off germs. Make sure your kids wash their hands before eating and right after they come home from anywhere. Get them waterproof shoes and pack an extra pair of socks and shoes to ensure that if their feet get soaked in stagnant water, they have a change of footwear. Spending a long time in wet shoes or socks can make them seriously ill and cause foot odor due to bacteria infestation. Always make sure they carry waterproof jackets or umbrellas to protect themselves in case they get caught in a downpour.

Some of our most cherished memories from childhood are of monsoon days, when we had the liberty to jump into puddles, make paper boats, and forget the umbrellas to get wet in the rain. However, pollution and changing climate has made that a distant memory and even though monsoon still has the same charm, the added precautions are very much necessary to avoid missing school days and unnecessary trips to the doctors.