5 ways to protect your child from rainy season diseases

No parent wants his or her kid to get sick but with the rainy season still underway, common diseases abound. Health  authorities collectively call them “W.I.L.D.,” which stands for water-borne diseases, influenza, leptospirosis, and dengue.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep such illnesses at bay—especially for children. Protect your child from diseases with these tips: 

Get them vaccinated vs. the flu

For the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV), the best way to ward off influenza is to get a flu shot.

"In the Philippines as well as in other tropical countries, the flu could occur at any time of the year, but the peak season of flu is of course during the wet and the rainy months, which is from June to November. But it can occur at any time," said PFV president Dr. Cecilia Montalban last April 2017 during the launch of "Trangkaseason". She explains, the vaccine will not only give families protection from the flu virus, it will also help you save money from treatments.

Keep ‘em dry

Viruses and bacteria thrive in wet weather, so it’s important to keep your kids dry during the season.

Last August 2017, Philippine College of Chest Physicians Council on Pulmonary Infections Chairperson Dr. Alberto Nolido Jr. said in a press conference for National Lung Month, "Ang gustong environment ng virus e yung wet and cold environment. Pag wet and cold environment na-expose ang tao, mas prone siya sa viral infections. Kaya mas maraming viral infections 'pag tag-ulan, during the cold season, kasi yun ang gustong-gusto ng virus."

Keep your kids dry by equipping them with complete and proper rain gear—pack a raincoat, rain boots, and umbrella in their bags when heading out.

And if they already got wet in the rain? Towel dry immediately.

Keep your surroundings clean

Mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus are active at night time, so it’s best to clean before it gets dark to keep them away from your home, according to the Department of Health.

While cleaning, make sure to empty or cover water containers because stagnant water can invite dengue-carrying mosquitoes. Take note of destroying other possible breeding places by cleaning them—those include old tires, gutters, and vases.

Teach them proper hand washing

Proper hand washing could go a long way.

Philippine Pediatric Society Vice President Dr. Sally Gatchalian says washing one’s hands is the basic protection against the flu, a common rainy season disease. Take time to teach your child how to properly wash hands—scrubbing should take at least 20 seconds. With kids, you can make it fun by adding in a short song while washing.

Serve your kids healthy meals

A strong immune system can fight off diseases. Boost your children’s immunity by feeding them the right food. Vegetables and fruits are packed with vitamins and minerals that can protect your kids from illnesses. The key is to present them creatively so they will enjoy every bite of the healthy food. For a full meal, pair their food with a nutritious drink like milk.

Patatagin ang inyong anak kasama ng mas pinatatag na Bonakid Pre-School 3+ na may Triple Boost Formula para sa Batang Matatag, Batang May Laban. (Give BONAKID PRE-SCHOOL® 3+ as part of a balance diet and healthy lifestyle).