Lecturer of FK UM Surabaya Shares Tips for Children to Stay Healthy in the Rainy Season

20 Jun
2022

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Lecturer of FK UM Surabaya Shares Tips for Children to Stay Healthy in the Rainy Season

In the rainy season, children are more susceptible to disease because the body is exposed to major changes in the atmosphere, causing a much larger number of microorganisms that the body has to fight against.

Gina Noor Djalilah, a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine (FK) UM Surabaya, explained that several diseases often occur during the rainy season, such as diarrhea/gastroenteritis (cholera), influenza, dengue fever, typhus, leptospirosis, hepatitis A, and skin diseases.

According to Gina, high levels of humidity, reduced sun exposure and flooding are triggering factors for the emergence of many diseases in the rainy season. Gina shared some tips that parents should do to keep their children healthy in the rainy season.

The first tip is to always prepare rain protection equipment. Rain protection equipment includes umbrellas, raincoats, and rain boots to prevent children from getting soaked. According to him, rainwater that stagnates on the streets is contaminated with various bacteria.

“Second, close the water storage container. Mosquitoes that cause dengue fever breed in clean stagnant water,” explained Gina who is also a pediatrician Monday (20/6/22)

Gina emphasized that emptying or covering water containers around the house is very important to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in them.

"Also avoid mosquito bites by using mosquito repellents, installing mosquito nets, and so on," he added.

Third, keep the environment clean. Keeping the environment clean during the rainy season prevents mosquitoes and other disease-causing animals from breeding and swarming the house.

“Next, make sure the child drinks clean and perfectly cooked water. A number of diseases, such as diarrhea and cholera, are caused by intake of contaminated water. Always make sure your child drinks clean and safe water to prevent infection and disease,” said Gina again.

Fifth, guide children to wash their hands properly. According to Gina's statement, in a written statement, washing hands properly can help protect children from germs and viral infections that can be transmitted in various ways (handling public objects, contact with people who are sick).

The next step is to vaccinate. Vaccination is one of the most important ways to maintain a child's immune system. Parents can talk to the doctor about the right vaccination for their child.

Provide healthy and nutritionally balanced food intake. A balanced nutritional diet can strengthen a child's immune system. Foods that contain macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, fat) and micronutrients (Zn, Fe, mg)

Along with boosting the child's immune system, they will remain protected from diseases related to the rainy season.

Eighth enough rest. The need for sleep in children is very important for growth, development, formation of important nutrients (internal) and detoxification of harmful materials. Children need enough rest 8-12 hours according to age. Sleep is useful for restoring the entire body system so that it is immune to viruses and bacteria.

Next, use a mask. If children often travel by public transportation, meet with many people, air pollution then children need to use masks to reduce the risk of transmission from other people and air pollutant materials.

"Finally, immediately consult if you find early symptoms in children," he concluded.