The increase in viral infections with the opening of schools worries families. Child Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. İhsan Başpınar gave important advice to families to protect children from infections and explained the formulas that should be applied in schools.
At school, epidemics can be seen among students who stay together for hours in a closed classroom environment. The fact that children do not pay enough attention to hygiene rules, immerse themselves in games and come into close contact with each other increases the rate of transmission. Pediatrics Specialist Dr. İhsan Başpınar from BHT CLINIC Istanbul Tema Hospital gave important warnings to families to protect children from viral infections with the opening of schools.
Sick children should definitely rest at home
Stating that they expect a significant increase in infections with the gradual cooling of the weather, Dr. Başpınar said, “Viral infections spread very quickly, especially in schools, kindergartens, dormitories and military areas. Because children cannot pay much attention to hygiene and distance rules outside and in the classroom. They can be in close contact while playing games. For this reason, transmission is more common. Sick children should not be sent to school by their families and should rest at home. They can infect other children when they go to school.”
Proper nutrition and sleep strengthen immunity
Prof. Dr. İhsan Başpınar explained the things to be considered to protect children from diseases as follows:
“If there is an infection outbreak at school, they can use masks. Classrooms should be ventilated at least once an hour. Hand washing areas should be created and children should carry antiseptic solutions with them during epidemic periods. There are some methods that can increase children's resistance at home. Adequate and balanced nutrition is very important. Children should have a balanced diet with a certain proportion of every food, carbohydrates, fats and proteins. If the child consumes only carbohydrates, the immune system will be weak. A number of vitamins and minerals can be given to strengthen children's immunity. Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin A, magnesium can be supplemented. If there is zinc deficiency or selenium deficiency, these can also be given. Children's sleep rhythm is also important for immunity. Children who sleep less than 8 hours will have a weak immune system.”
Children should be kept away from additives and processed foods
Pointing out that immunity weakens in children fed with ready-made and packaged foods, Pediatrician Dr. İhsan Başpınar said, “It is necessary to stay away from additives and processed foods as much as possible. Children should not consume chips, chocolate or foods with artificial preservatives and sweeteners as much as possible. If possible, it would be better to feed them with natural, organic foods that their mothers make at home. It is very important that foods that are not suitable for children are not sold or recommended in canteens.”
Phones and tablets weaken the immune system
Emphasizing that technological devices also have a negative impact on children's immunity, Dr. İhsan Başpınar said, “With the recent development of technology, almost every child has smartphones and tablets in their hands. It has been revealed that children who use them for a long time have a weakened immune system. There is also an intense accumulation of germs on the phone. Care should be taken to clean the phones. It can cause some psychological problems as well as affect immunity. It is useful to keep children away from technological devices as much as possible.”
