5 Key tips to protect your child from Monsoon illnesses

• Image Credit: Google

• Aug 5, 2023 | Pinaki Goswami

Stagnant water in puddles and flooded regions serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes...

Digital Desk: As the monsoon season rolls in, Parents must prioritize their children's safety and well-being. The changing weather conditions during this time can significantly impact their health. A rise in waterborne diseases is caused by the increasing humidity, which creates an ideal habitat for the growth of bacteria, viruses, and other dangerous germs. Additionally, stagnant water in puddles and flooded regions serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes that spread diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya, increasing the risk of these illnesses.

You can make the monsoon season safer for your children by implementing these five tips, allowing them to enjoy the rains while minimizing potential hazards :

1. Avoid Waterlogged Areas: Risks associated with waterlogged areas include the risk of accidents and the spread of waterborne diseases. Ask your kids to avoid standing water, such as in ditches, puddles, or flooded streets. Discourage them from playing in or around such areas, as they may contain hidden dangers like sharp objects or open drains.

2. Ensure Proper Footwear: During the monsoon, slippery surfaces are common, therefore it's essential to provide kids with appropriate footwear. Invest in a pair of traction-enhancing rain boots or non-slip shoes to avoid falling. Encourage your kids to keep their feet dry whenever possible because bacteria and insects may exist in puddles and on wet floors.

3. Mosquito Protection: An increase in mosquito populations during the monsoon season raises the danger of contracting diseases carried by the insects. Use insect repellents on your kids, both as creams and plug-in devices, and make sure they dress in long sleeves and long pants when they are outside. Close your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your house.

4. Maintain Hygiene: It's important to maintain basic hygiene during the monsoon season because the added moisture can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Teach your children to often wash their hands, particularly before meals. Encourage kids not to play in stagnant water because it can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and waterborne diseases.

5. Electrical Safety: Electrical hazards pose a significant risk during the monsoon season. Teach your children to stay away from electrical poles, open wires, and puddles near electrical equipment. Make sure to check your property for any exposed wire or damaged electrical sockets and get them fixed immediately.