In winter, the cold wind and the temperature drops sharply, which is a high rate of respiratory infections among children. As parents, it is essential for the health of the child to know and control the care of this period. As the famous Italian pediatrician said: “The child coughs, it is the grown-ups who listen to them.” This statement not only expounds parents ‘ concern about the illness of their children, but also reminds us of the need for more careful and scientific care when children face upper respiratory infections.
I. Maintenance of an appropriate indoor environment
Most upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses, about 70-80 per cent of which are caused by viruses such as influenza virus, sub-influenza virus and respiratory fusion virus. Therefore, keeping indoor air fresh and suitable humidity and temperature is an important measure to prevent and treat respiratory infections in children. Parents should open their windows on a regular basis to avoid air pollution; at the same time, they can use humidifiers or water basins to increase indoor humidity, keep the respiratory mucous membranes humid and facilitate the discharge of sap.
II. A reasonable diet and rest
In winter, metabolism is relatively slow in children ‘ s bodies, and a reasonable diet and adequate rest are effective means of enhancing immunity and combating the virus. Parents should encourage their children to drink more water, promote metabolism and accelerate the release of internal toxins. Eating should be dominated by fresh, high proteins, high heat, high cellulose currents or semi-fluent foods, such as porridge, noodles, vegetable soup, etc., to avoid greasy, irritant foods. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the child has sufficient rest time and that adequate sleep enhances the body ‘ s resistance and contributes to recovery.
III. Attention to temperature change and timely medical treatment
The winter is cold and children have a relatively weak ability to regulate their body temperature and are prone to increased temperature. Parents should pay close attention to changes in the child ‘ s body temperature and, when the temperature exceeds 38.5 °C, physical cooling measures, such as wiping the body with warm water, replacing dry clothes, etc. In the event of poor physical cooling, timely medical treatment should be provided to prevent the occurrence of high-hot convulsions through the use of deheating drugs as prescribed by the doctor. At the same time, it is necessary to observe the response of the child to the medication, to communicate with the doctor in a timely manner and to adjust the treatment programme.
Warming and clothing
In winter, the temperature changes, and parents should increase and reduce their children ‘ s clothing in a timely manner, in accordance with weather changes, so as to avoid the severity of the child ‘ s condition due to cooling. The choice of clothing should be based on warmness and comfort and avoid being too heavy or tight to affect children ‘ s activities and breathing. In addition, when going out of the house, children can be provided with masks to reduce the respiratory irritation of cold air and reduce the risk of infection. V. Strengthening exercise and vaccination
Health enhancement is a fundamental means of preventing upper respiratory infections. Parents should encourage the child to undertake a reasonable amount of outdoor activities, such as walking, running, jumping rope, etc., to enhance the child ‘ s health and immunity. At the same time, children should be vaccinated against respiratory diseases, such as influenza, in a timely manner, in accordance with planned immunization procedures, so as to increase their resilience.
VI. Attention to complications and timely treatment
Upper respiratory infections can cause complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia if they are not treated in a timely manner or when care is not appropriate. Parents should closely monitor the child ‘ s evolving condition and, if the fever persists, cough symptoms are aggravated or respiratory difficulties arise, they should be treated in a timely manner in order to avoid delay.
Concluding remarks
Attention to respiratory infections in children in winter involves every aspect of everyday life and requires careful care and scientific care by parents. As famous people say, “Health is the first wealth of life.” For the healthy growth of our children, let us work together to prevent and treat and to create a warm, healthy and happy environment for their development. May every child grow up in health and happiness without pain!
Acute upper respiratory infections
