Common infectious diseases in winter

Every season is prone to some infectious diseases. Especially for infants and young children, because they are young and their physical development is not yet complete, their resistance and immunity are easily reduced. Therefore, it is normal for viruses to invade the human body when it is weak. Winter is the coldest season of the four seasons. However, the virus will continue to develop and it is also easy to be infected with infectious diseases. So what are the common infectious diseases in winter?

1. Common infectious diseases in children in winter include influenza (viral flu) and colds (respiratory tract infections)

1.1. Influenza (viral flu): Babies aged 2 to 4 who have just entered kindergarten are at high risk of influenza. Children aged 5 to 7 are at a high risk of influenza, with an infection rate of over 50%, 1.5 to 3 times higher than that of adults. Even babies who have had the flu may still be infected the next time they encounter the flu virus.

1.2. Colds and flu (respiratory tract infections): Commonly known as colds, most babies are prone to the disease after being exposed to cold, rain, or excessive fatigue, due to decreased resistance. Although the common cold is much less contagious than influenza and poses less harm to babies, daily prevention and care cannot be neglected.

2. Common infectious diseases in children in winter include winter diarrhea and pneumonia

2.1. Winter diarrhea: Diarrhea is also a common disease in babies in winter and troubles many parents. Winter diarrhea is generally caused by rotavirus infection, which mainly causes the disease through digestive tract and respiratory tract infections. Rotavirus multiplies rapidly when the temperature drops. Children have weak resistance and their immune systems cannot adapt quickly to sudden changes in the weather, making them susceptible to the virus.

2.2. Pneumonia: Pneumonia is the most common respiratory disease in children. According to statistics, it accounts for more than half of all pediatric diseases. Infants under 3 years old are more likely to suffer from pneumonia in winter and spring. Pneumonia in children has an acute onset, rapid progression, and severe condition. It is a major disease that threatens children's health and even life.

3. Common infectious diseases in children in winter include measles and chickenpox

3.1. Measles: Measles can be contracted at any age. In the past, the highest incidence rate was between 8 months and 5 years old, and there was an epidemic every 2 to 3 years. Measles can occur in any season, but is most common in winter and spring.

3.2. Chickenpox: It is a common acute infectious disease in children caused by varicella-zoster. Chickenpox can occur throughout the year, but is more common in winter and spring. Clinically, the systemic symptoms are mild, including fever and systemic rash that appears in batches, characterized by macules, papules, and rapidly developing blisters and crusts.

How to prevent infectious diseases in children in winter

1. Strictly follow the immunization procedures for young children. For young children with poor physical constitution and who are susceptible to diseases, targeted immunization injections can be carried out according to the epidemic situation of the disease. At the same time, children can also be given Chinese medicines such as Isatis root, Isatis indigotica, and honeysuckle to strengthen the prevention of the spread of viral diseases.

2. Carry out routine indoor ultraviolet disinfection and disinfection of tableware, toys, and teaching aids. Correctly diagnose and promptly treat sick children. Those with serious illnesses should be sent to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment or isolated for observation as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the epidemic.

3. Pay attention to maintaining good environmental conditions in children’s dormitory activities and keep the indoor air circulating. In an air-conditioned environment, the indoor humidity should be adjusted as appropriate.

4. Young children should also engage in moderate exercise and exercise in winter. Exercise can strengthen children's physical fitness and enhance their immunity, so as to resist the erosion of pathogens on the body.

5. Dress appropriately and add or remove clothes at any time to prevent catching a cold. Cover the children with quilts during naps. Caregivers should check frequently and cover them in time when the children kick off the quilts to prevent the children from catching cold and causing other serious diseases, such as pneumonia, myocarditis, lobar pneumonia, and acute nephritis.

6. The weather is cold in winter, and the energy and calories needed by young children also increase accordingly, so some high-energy and hot foods should be added. Such as meat, fish, poultry, milk, beans and so on. In addition, you should also pay attention to supplementing foods such as red dates and red beans that strengthen the spleen and replenish blood.

7. In winter, it is also necessary to ensure that young children drink enough water.