To keep children safe from the many threats of winter, it’s important to be aware of them first. Read on as we discuss some of the most common diseases that affect children in the UK every year during the colder months, and how to prevent them.
Common Cold
The common cold virus is just far too common during the winter for comfort! Given that young children have weak, underdeveloped immune systems, the virus often finds them to be easy, recurring hosts. Protect your child from the common cold with the following tips:
- Wash the hands of toddlers in warm water frequently
- Teach the importance of doing so before every snack and not just meals to slightly older children
- Always use disposable tissues for runny noses; fabric just reinfects the child continuously
- Keep the indoor temperatures high - heat helps in both prevention and healing
- Prevent exposing toddlers and infants to cold weather
One of the rare bugs that affect our digestive systems during winter would be the norovirus. Aside from the same measures we mentioned above, there’s not much else one can do to prevent the infection.
It’s highly infectious, very common in all parts of the UK, and in the case of young children, the disease can take a turn for the worse. Common symptoms of a norovirus infections are as follows:
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Low – mid level fever
- Pain in the muscles
- Weakness
Back in the day, when Isaak was sick.
Healthy adults will get over it in a week or less, but young children might need hospital care. If you notice signs of dehydration in your child, don’t wait around for too long.
Raynaud’s Disease
Now, Raynaud’s Disease is not as much of a disease as it is a genetic condition. Everyone gets cold hands and feet from time to time during the winter, but children and even adults with Raynaud’s phenomenon will actually feel pain once the blood vessels in their hands and feet begin to shrink from the cold.
Bluish or whitish fingers, tingling/cold/numb/painful extremities are all symptoms of Raynaud’s disease. Those with the disease will suffer most as children, although the condition can become less bothersome as they grow up. Some of the common, effective methods for preventing Raynaud’s flare ups would be as follows:
- Keep the child in weather controlled, significantly warm temperatures as much as possible
- Make sure that they are wearing gloves and socks at all times
- If they can’t keep their body temperature high even after that, consult a doctor
Never ignore the symptoms of a disease, whether it’s your child, or yourself. Even if you don’t have the funds for covering unforeseen medical costs immediately, or to invest in a new boiler for keeping the house warm and healthy, there are options out there. Whatever your reasons, new payday loan lenders like BingoLoans offer clear, transparent platforms with instant approvals online. Just be sure to make the repayments on time to keep the costs from spiralling out of control.
Emergencies seldom announce themselves and, alongside children, adults may also experience diseases more frequently as the mercury begins to dip. Heart attacks and debilitating pain in the joints are common emergencies that may make themselves apparent at any time. Awareness, preparation and timely actions are the keys to keeping everyone fit and safe.
