5 Common Summer Health Problems in Children

Every seasonal change brings with it its own set of health problems. And it affects children the most as their immune system is still evolving, adjusting, and developing. And summers are the peak season for a wide range of health problems in children. The transition from winter to summer and the fluctuating temperature bring viruses and bacteria that attack children’s health.

Keeping an eye on the most common summer diseases can help prevent any disease from developing. Awareness of these summer diseases can help to strategize preventive and mitigative measures.

Here we have included a list of common summer health problems in children and ways to tackle them:

Food is the major source of gastrointestinal disease in children in the summer. Gastrointestinal infections include food poisoning, diarrhea, jaundice, dysentery, and gastroenteritis. Foodborne disease burden is most common among childrenGerms increase in hot and moist conditions and can lead to food poisoning in children. Food poisoning is mainly due to bacteria or germs. They easily develop in food and release toxins that can affect the body adversely, causing diarrhea and vomiting. Summer viruses are rampant, and it's best to give more prominence to food and water hygiene for a happy summer. The best way to keep them at bay is through freshly prepared, home-cooked food in the summer.

Norovirus is a highly contagious disease and a leading cause of diarrhea and vomiting. It is also called the stomach flu. Children get infected with norovirus by coming into close contact with someone already infected, touching contaminated surfaces, or eating or drinking contaminated foods. India reported a prevalence of norovirus in children with diarrhea.  To keep children safe from getting infected, teach them to practice washing their hands often with soap and water before each meal. Sanitizing frequently is another method to prevent norovirus infections.

Lyme disease is a multiorgan tick-borne disease that usually spreads through birds, mice, squirrels, and other small animals. Every year, thousands of Indians are diagnosed with Lyme disease.   It is usually seen in children under 15 and can cause fever, fatigue, joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes, among others. The spread of the disease takes some days after getting bitten by the tick. It is best to keep children covered in full-sleeved clothes and pants to prevent them from getting Lyme disease. Avoid outings in wild and bushy areas where the probability of encountering Lyme disease increases manifold.

Summers bring a range of skin problems due to the constant exposure to sweat, heat, and other pollutants. Summers cause skin rashes and eczema in children. Heat rashes are quite common and are caused by excessive sweating and clogging of skin pores. Clothes can irritate the skin and trap sweat, causing tiny red bumps. Children can develop rashes due to viral, bacterial, or other infections. Additionally, summer rashes can also be caused by extreme exposure to sunlight, insect bites, sweating, and overheating. Using prickly heat powder, insect repellents on clothes, and having cool water baths twice a day can help keep skin issues at bay.

Summer causes an increase in pollution levels, dust, hot air, and humidity, making your children’s asthma worse. Because of this, asthma may develop in kids and worsen in children who already have it. Checking the air quality before outdoor play and using air purifiers at home can be the best ways to keep your child's health intact, even during the summer.

* Conclusion: Summers are fun but can quickly turn into stress if children are not monitored and kept safe. Due to their sensitive immune systems, these health issues catch hold of them pretty quickly and can affect their overall well-being. Taking proper precautions and hygiene measures can go a long way toward making summer fun.

* Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the most common health problem among children?

Children develop seasonal colds, fevers, and allergies commonly. Since their immune system is still developing, they are prone to an array of diseases. A proper, balanced diet devoid of junk food and common hygiene habits can reduce the possibility of these diseases occurring. 

2. What are the health problems of under-5 children in India?

Children under five have a very vulnerable overall biology and can face health problems like malnourishment, colds, coughs, allergies, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal diseases, malaria, etc.

3. How do you take care of kids in the summer?

Children have to be kept hydrated through a proper intake of water, fluids, citrus fruits, vegetables, and other sources of nourishment. A balanced diet comprising proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and other micronutrients can keep them healthy. Practicing overall hygiene and washing hands before each meal can help develop a sustainable lifestyle that is devoid of constant infections and diseases.

4. How can I keep my child safe in the summer sun?

Reduce the exposure to the sun during peak hours. If it is unavoidable, shield them from the sun by using cotton or linen fabric for full-sleeved clothes. Keep water bottles handy for hydration. Ask them to wear caps when out in the sun and apply organic sunscreen to reduce the effect of UV rays.

5. What is the common summer virus in children?

The most common summer virus is the enterovirus, which leads to gastrointestinal diseases like diarrhea, vomiting, dysentery, etc. in children. Hand-foot and mouth disease is also common and is caused by the virus. These occur due to poor hygiene and by using contaminated water or food sources.