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Time of India
27-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Docs warn about risk of diseases among children
Kochi: With schools set to reopen next week and a change in climate due to early rains , doctors warn that there will be a spread of infectious diseases , waterborne diseases , fungal infections and dengue. Doctors have warned that children and the vulnerable need to be careful. Health experts said schools need to undertake mosquito control measures on the campus to ensure that schools don't become a hub of dengue spread and to ensure supply of uncontaminated drinking water. Also, school authorities and parents need to ensure that children with fever don't come to school and spread it to other children. "We will be sending a monsoon advisory to schools soon," said IMA-Kerala research cell chairman Dr Rajeev Jayadevan. Small children are the most vulnerable as they don't have exposure to most of the pathogens. When they go to school and mingle with others, their risk of infection increases. According to experts, it is normal for a child to fall sick due to viral infection around seven to eight times a year, till the age of seven. They said that Covid-19 pandemic had a wide-ranging impact on children's health and staying at home for two long years took a toll on their immunity. In schools and other playing areas, kids are exposed to various allergens such as pollen, dust, weed and viral infections, among others, and this manifests as, for instance, allergic cough. "These are public health-related issues mostly because of failure to ensure proper cleanliness and hygiene. Lack of pre-monsoon preparedness is also a concern," said Indian Academy of Pediatrics former national president Dr S Sachidananda Kamath.
NDTV
20-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Recurrent Colds And Coughs In Children? Watch Out For These Signs And Symptoms Of Immune Deficiency
It is perfectly normal for young children to catch a cold or develop mild infections frequently as their immune systems are still developing. However, if your child falls sick frequently or it takes longer than usual for them to recover, you must focus on their immune health. An underlying immune deficiency can be indicated by colds that are frequent or respiratory issues that are prolonged or persistent. Repeated cold and coughs which are prolonged, or persistent, can be signs of either an allergy or an immunodeficiency. While primary immunodeficiency is quite rare, infections that are Severe (particularly intense), Persistent (last a long time), Unusual (caused by uncommon pathogens), or Recurrent (keep returning), captured by the SPUR mnemonic can be important clues pointing toward a compromised immune system. In such cases, it is essential to consult your doctor for appropriate testing to rule out or confirm any underlying immunity issue. According to the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, children with more than 8 infections a year, especially if they are unusually intense or slow to respond to treatment should be evaluated for potential immune-related concerns. With growing awareness and advancements in pediatric care, timely diagnosis can make a significant difference in strengthening a child's immune health and quality of life. Signs and symptoms to watch out for 1. Recurring infections during the year If your child is ill more than eight times in one year with cold, cough, or fever, then this might be something to worry about. They may have an immune system that is unable to fight off common viruses and bacteria, and rather, they get consecutive infections with little to no break time in between. 2. Long duration of illness Most of these common colds will clear up within 7-10 days. But if your child still is not feeling well for weeks or is gradually getting worse over time, it could be a sign that the body is having trouble recovering because of an inadequate immune response, rather than fighting a persistent virus. 3. Repeated ear infections If your child has experienced several ear infections, particularly four or more during a year, it may be a sign of an immune deficiency. Children's Eustachian tubes are more likely to become blocked, but repeated infections mean the immune system is not functioning well enough to stop or clear them out. 4. Recurrent chest or lung infections If your child has recurrent episodes of bronchitis, pneumonia, or wheezing disease, especially if they need antibiotics repeatedly or have difficulty breathing, it could mean that there is a more significant issue with immune function in their lower respiratory tract. 5. Tiredness or lack of energy A weak immune system can make a child feel fatigued. If your child is perpetually tired, sleeps all the time, or won't exercise, it may not be low energy; it may be a sign that their body is under stress every day from trying to fight repeated infections. 6. Poor growth or weight gain Kids with underlying immune problems can find it difficult to gain weight or grow at a healthy rate. Their body could be expending most of its energy fighting infections, with less left over for growth and development, particularly if their appetite is compromised over long periods of illness. 7. Digestive troubles Diarrhoea, infections in the stomach, or lack of appetite may result if the immune system becomes weakened and can no longer handle normal gut bacteria. This can then result in dehydration, malnourishment, and overall ill health. What parents can do If these symptoms do not go away, it's important not to ignore them or assume they're just normal medical evaluation, including simple immune function tests, can help exclude or diagnose early immune deficiencies. Some of them will need to be treated with medication, while others can be treated with supportive care and dietary changes. Ways to help increase your child's immune health naturally: Offer a nutrient-rich diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and proteins Ensure they sleep well, as sleep is important for immune repair Encourage physical activity during the day and restrict screen time Encourage good hygiene practices such as washing hands and sanitizing Restrict the overuse of antibiotics if not prescribed, as this can upset natural immune equilibrium. Even though repeated colds and infections in children are common, frequent or repeated illnesses should not be taken lightly. Such repeated symptoms could be an indication of some underlying immune deficiency that needs treatment. Early detection, combined with proper medical care and lifestyle counselling, can significantly improve a child's immunity, growth, and health. Avoidance of complications through timely intervention benefits the child with a healthier, happier, and active life, besides avoiding complications in infections in the child. (Dr. Vikram Gagneja, Consultant - Paediatrics and Head PICU, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi) Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
New Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Experts push for rabies vaccine in children before dog bites
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Administering the rabies vaccine before a dog bite may seem unusual to many parents. However, a rise in rabies infections among children has prompted health experts to recommend pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for all children under the age of 14 before any animal attack occurs. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) and the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA) have jointly called for the inclusion of PrEP in child healthcare protocols. Providing general immunity against rabies not only helps prevent deaths but also reduces the need for expensive rabies immunoglobulin (RIG), which is administered in addition to the standard post-bite vaccine. While previously seen as an excessive measure, the surge in rabies cases and the high cost of post-exposure treatment have made PrEP a necessary intervention. Dog bite cases in Kerala have seen a dramatic rise - from 60,000 in 2013 to over 3.16 lakh in 2024. Human fatalities have also increased, with 14 rabies deaths reported so far this year, and an annual toll of 20-25 deaths in recent years. Children remain the most affected. Globally, rabies claims around 59,000 lives annually, with 18,000-20,000 of those in India. Of these, nearly 40% are children. 'Children are most vulnerable. Many have died even after receiving the vaccine post-bite due to the challenging nature of the bites,' said Dr Riaz I, president of the IAP Kerala Chapter. 'We recommend PrEP for school-going children to prevent such tragedies.' Dr Riaz also pointed out the difficulty of administering rabies serum in sensitive bite locations like eyes, underlining the advantage of pre-exposure vaccination. The KGMOA has urged the state to form a task force to implement a universal PrEP programme, starting with children. 'Over 35% of dog bite victims are children. We must prioritise them,' said Dr Sunil P K, KGMOA president.
