Monsoon is a season that fills the hearts of parents with joy and concern at the same time for parents with toddlers. While the rain offers a respite from the hot summer, they also facilitate the breeding of germs that spread infections rapidly. Toddlers, whose immune system has just started to develop, are particularly vulnerable during this period. Physicians stress that taking special precautions in health and hygiene during rainy weather can go a long way in protecting children.
As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), diarrheal illnesses among children aged below five years rise by as much as 9–12% during the monsoon. Likewise, according to the Indian Pediatrics Association (IPA), respiratory infections go up by 15–20% during this period. The primary cause is that high humidity, unstable temperature, and waterlogging provide a ground for bacteria, viruses, and mosquitoes to flourish. Crowding indoors coupled with poor sanitation aggravates the situation.
What Are Some Common Monsoon Illnesses In Children
According to Dr Anita Singh, Diabetes Physician and Assistant Medical Superintendent Practo, Consults on Practo, “Respiratory infections are one of the most prevalent monsoon-related health issues. Children are more prone to colds, viral bronchitis, flu, and even pneumonia.”
Also Read: What Are 5 Common Monsoon Infections In babies? Know Prevention Tips
Respiratory Infections
Humidity indoors usually leads to asthma attacks and shortness of breath, particularly in cases of existing respiratory problems in children.
Doctor’s Suggestion: Parents should ensure indoor areas are well-ventilated and toddlers are dressed in dry, comfortable clothes to minimise such threats.
Waterborne illnesses
Another serious issue is waterborne illnesses. Diarrhea and acute gastroenteritis are common in toddlers during monsoon. They are usually caused by pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and rotavirus in contaminated water and food.
Doctor’s Suggestion: “We advise offering only filtered or boiled drinking water to children and freshly prepared foods. Proper hand hygiene before meals is very important, as it reduces the chances of consuming harmful germs,” advises Dr Anita Singh.
Also Read: Boiled, Filtered, Or Bottled Water, What Is Recommended Safe For Drinking by Doctors
Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
Mosquito-borne diseases also shoot up with the rains. Dengue and malaria patients swell in numbers as stagnant water is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Dengue, in fact, can prove to be serious for young children.
Doctor’s Suggestion: Take the child to the hospital at once if the child experiences high fever, rash, or vomiting continuously. At home, employing mosquito nets, repellents, and elimination of stagnant water near the house are a must-do preventive measure.
Skin Infections
Skin infection is another problem usually ignored by parents. The mix of sweat, wet clothes, and fungi leaves toddlers susceptible to fungal infection and rashes. Bacterial skin infection may also be transmitted if kids play with dirty water.
Doctor’s Suggestion: Parents can prevent irritation by keeping the child's skin dry, changing wet clothes as soon as possible, and using cotton fabrics that allow air to pass through.
Also Read: Monsoon Skincare Guide: 7 Tips To Prevent Acne, Infections and Dullness
Other Illnesses
Some other illnesses such as typhoid, hepatitis A and E, chikungunya, and leptospirosis also become more common during monsoon. Typhoid and hepatitis are associated with dirty water and poor sanitation, whereas leptospirosis is spread when children touch floodwater. Typhoid and hepatitis vaccines are highly recommended as a precautionary measure during this risk period.
Simple preventive actions come a long way. Here are some tips by Dr Anita Singh:
- Hand washing with soap
- Eating clean and warm food
- Having safe drinking water
- Having proper ventilation
- Avoiding wet indoor conditions
- Regular check-ups with doctors
- Timely vaccination
Last but most important, early medical intervention when symptoms arise are equally essential to avoid complications.
Conclusion
Summing up, physicians emphasise that monsoon health is not only about cure, but prevention. Responsible hygiene and awareness within the community can go a long way to slow down the seasonal onset of diseases. For parents with toddlers, paying attention, being prepared, and being strict with simple preventive measures can see to it that the monsoon is a time of joy instead of concern.