Dr. Emre Soyer, Pediatrician at Bursa Dörtçelik Children's Diseases Hospital, made statements about the ways to protect children from diseases and what to do for a strong immune system in the winter season.
Stating that it would be beneficial for children to be examined by a family physician or pediatrician at the beginning of school, Uzm. Dr. Soyer said, “If the physician deems appropriate, he/she performs vitamin and mineral screenings. He/she will also perform a general examination. Before entering the winter season, it should be checked whether the child receives daily vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D and iron supplements by external nutrition.”
Pointing out that upper respiratory and lower respiratory tract infection findings in children are primarily manifested by fever, Uzm. Dr. Soyer said, “In primary school age children; In cases of persistent fever of 38 degrees and above for more than 3 days, loss of appetite, sore throat, dry cough, weakness, severe joint pain, they should definitely apply to their family physician or pediatricians. However, if the child is in good spirits, has a normal appetite and a non-stubborn fever, the child can be monitored at home without consulting a physician. Fever and appetite monitoring is what we recommend to families the most. As long as we follow this closely, if the child is in good spirits and there is no problem in appetite and fluid intake, we can follow our children without bringing them to a doctor and without worrying.”
Teachers play an important role
Emphasizing that school teachers play an important role as much as families so that children can enter winter with strong immune systems, without getting sick and ready for winter, Soyer said, “Classrooms must be ventilated at every break. After long breaks, teachers should pay attention to children's hand hygiene; they should make sure that children wash their hands, especially after eating or using the toilet. It is also very useful to question whether children are full when they come to class in the morning.”
Encourage sports
Stating that it is very important for children to be fed with fruits and vegetables specific to the winter season in terms of daily vitamins A, C, D and iron, Soyer said that attention should also be paid to sleep and daily fluid intake. Finally, Soyer emphasized that children should definitely do sports in the winter period and continued his words as follows:
“Take your children outdoors. Walking, running, cycling activities are very important elements for keeping the immune system strong for our children in daylight and outdoors. Our families have situations such as depriving their children from sports due to exam anxiety. we do not recommend this. We strongly recommend that our children do sports in the fresh air to spend the winter in a healthy way.”
