All around the year children wait eagerly for the winter season. It could be partly due to the fact that the cold gives them relief from the scorching heat of the summer sun and partly because they can now get more time to sleep. But winters are not all about fun as these bring along the increased risks of various infections and diseases like the common cold and flu. While adults can protect themselves by following the necessary precautionary measures, small children are less likely to understand what is good for them and what is not. Being parents there are a few things that you can do to elevate your little one's risks of developing infections in winter. We have listed some of them in this blog with the help of an expert from the best children hospital in Pune. However, before we talk about these, let's first know about some common illnesses that are common in children during the winter season.

Covid-19 - It is a highly contagious respiratory disease, categorized by a range of symptoms which may vary from one person to another. The classic symptoms of Covid-19 include fever, cough, breathlessness, fatigue and loss of smell and taste. Getting vaccinated can help to lower the risks of getting the infection however it does not completely lower the risks of getting the infection however it does not completely negate the same. Any person detected with Covid-19 needs to be kept in isolation till they test negative.

RSV - It stands for the respiratory syncytial virus, a respiratory infection that can trigger bronchiolitis in children who have not crossed 2 years of age. RSV is categorized by symptoms like running nose, cough, fever, chest congestion and heavy breathing. If an infant develops RSV, it can even result in sleep apnea.

Flu - The problem is so common that even small children know about it. Flu is nothing but its slightly aggressive form of common cold, marked by high fever, mild conjunctivitis, diarrhoea and other coal-related symptoms. Getting a flu shot can help significantly lower the risks of the same. Experts specializing in pediatric surgery in India suggest that you can be effectively managed if the treatment is started within 48 hours of the onset of the infection.

Common cold - This is as common as the name suggests and is marked by the same symptoms as the flu, only a tad bit milder. The symptoms of the common cold usually last for a week or even less but it may take a little more time to back in healthy shape.

Preventing the risks of infection

Here are several ways in which you can protect your little ones from getting an infection in winter:

Help them stay warm - Make your child wear warm clothes and accessories that will protect them from the chilly season. Don't let your little one step out of the home without gloves, a muffler, a cap and socks. It is important to understand that children tend to lose body heat at a faster pace as compared to adults, and as such, it is important to keep them warm.

Avoid the risks of infections - Infections are not only caused by exposure to cold but also due to microbial invasion in the body and this can happen in any season. However, it is important to take extra care during the winter season, because cold can aggravate the problem. Encourage your little ones to wash their hands often and cover their mouth while sneezing and coughing. Make sure that we do not miss their flu shots.

Make sure that your little one is taking enough fluids - Proper hydration is as important for little children as it is for adults. Layering up with warm clothes can make your child sweat more and this could lead to the loss of body fluids. Be very careful with your choice of drink. It is preferable to give soup and milk instead of juice and cold drinks.

Encourage your little one to follow an active lifestyle - Many parents think that restricting the little ones to one place and making them sit under a blanket all day, is going to help prevent the risks of infections. However, this is completely false. Staying active is very important for boosting your child's immune system, which in turn helps to fight various diseases and infections.

If you wish to know more, consult an expert to get your little one assessed, consult the experts from the best hospital in India today.