Three diseases that threaten young children during the hot season.

Central, Southern, and Western Vietnam are experiencing a severe heatwave, which not only causes fatigue but also leads to many young children falling ill. At clinics, the number of cases of sore throat, diarrhea, and hand, foot, and mouth disease is increasing.

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Most illnesses are preventable if parents pay attention to even the smallest details in their daily lives.

1. Sore throat and viral fever are on the rise.

Children often experience fever, sore throat, and loss of appetite. The main cause remains viral infection, but hot weather creates favorable conditions for the disease to appear more frequently.

When it's too hot, many families keep their children in air-conditioned rooms at low temperatures, giving them ice water or cold food to cool them down quickly.

Sudden temperature changes between the outside and inside of a cold room dry out the throat lining, reducing local resistance and making it easier for viruses to invade. Additionally, having a fan blowing directly on a child's face while they are sweating can easily irritate the respiratory tract.

2. Acute diarrhea increases

Recently, there have been many cases of food poisoning. Not only respiratory illnesses, but acute diarrhea also increases during the hot season. High temperatures cause food to spoil quickly if not stored properly. Children who eat contaminated food or drink unclean water are very susceptible to diarrhea.

In young children, dehydration from diarrhea, combined with excessive sweating, can cause the illness to worsen rapidly.

3. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is still not over.

This is an enterovirus infection, transmitted through contact and the digestive tract. In the summer, children often play together, and if they don't wash their hands properly, the virus can easily spread.

To help children avoid getting sick, parents just need to pay attention to a few simple things. Keep the room temperature around 26-27°C, avoiding large fluctuations. When children come home from being in the sun, wipe off their sweat, let them rest, and then bathe them.

In terms of food and drink, ensure that food is cooked thoroughly and water is boiled. Limit consumption of leftover food and avoid excessive use of ice and cold drinks. It's also important to remind children to drink water regularly throughout the day and wash their hands properly with soap. If children show any unusual symptoms, they should be taken to the doctor as soon as possible.

3 things to do every day to protect children

1. Drink enough water: divide it into several small portions throughout the day, don't wait until you're thirsty.

2. Eat and drink healthily: eat cooked food, drink boiled water, and limit cold foods and drinks.

3. Wash your hands frequently: before eating, after using the toilet, and after playing.

Dr. Nguyen Thanh Uc

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ba-benh-rinh-rap-tre-nho-mua-nang-20260414082437301.htm