Wet Season: 7 Ways to Equip Your Kids in The Fight Against Its Related-Illnesses

What is a wet season?

The wet season is the time of year when most of a region’s average annual rainfall occurs. Generally, the season lasts at least one month. The term green season is also sometimes used as a euphemism by tourist authorities. Areas with wet seasons are dispersed across portions of the tropics and subtropics.

The weather is constantly changing, and infections are running rampant especially in wet. While we cherish this time of the year because our crops need rain to survive, dealing with sick children can be tough on day-to-day routines in winter. This is because most children are prone to falling victim to rainy season-related diseases.

However, the severity of an infection is probably a result of the strength of one’s immune system. Therefore, as a caregiver, it’s good to keep your child as healthy as possible in the fight against winter illnesses by doing the following:

1. Give them Enough Sleep

There’s a reason why doctors always ask about your sleeping patterns during checkups. Sleep is good for growth and development and critical in leading a healthy life.

When you sleep, the body restores and repairs itself hence becoming able to battle illnesses. So make sure your children are getting enough sleep.

2. Focus on their Diet especially during the wet season

A poor diet can lead to inflammation in the body which will stress out the immune system and lead to further illness. It is good to fill your child’s diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables; they’ll receive all kinds of natural immune-boosting vitamins.

For example, try the 80:20 rule for healthy eating: eat the best healthy food you can 80 percent of the time and give your family flexibility for the other 20 percent.

3. Take a Flu Shot

Immunizations teach the body’s immune system how to prepare for an invasion. Some diseases, like the flu, can be dangerous, and children and babies are at high risk of contracting the illness and spreading it to others.

The flu shot also reduces doctor’s visits, missed work/school days, flu-related hospitalizations, and fatalities in children.

Flu shots are offered right now from our branches in Kampala, including; Kabalagala, Ndeeba and Bunga. It’s not too late to get one!

4. Exercise Daily and Limit Screen Time

Lack of physical activity is majorly the cause of illness. Children need time away from screens to thrive. Try limiting all screen time to one hour on school nights and two hours on the weekend.

Conversely, ensure your kids get one hour of physical activity daily. Another positive benefit of exercise – it’s linked to better academic performance and improved mental health. Make it a family effort!

5. Embrace Washing their Hands Regularly

Doctors agree hand washing is crucial to limiting the spread of illness. Try to get your child to wash their hands with soap and water before and after meals, after using the bathroom, and after being in public spaces. Hand washing is the best way to prevent germs.

6. Keep Kids Home When Ill

When your child is sick, try your best to keep them at home and make sure they get plenty of rest, fluids, and supportive care.

Giving your child a chance to sleep and fight off minor illnesses minimizes the spread of disease in child-care settings and increases their chances for a quick recovery.

7. Endeavor Limiting Stress

Unfortunately, experiencing physical and mental stress can have a detrimental effect on the immune system. When the body is under so much tension, its immune function declines. During such a season, be vigilant of your child’s stress levels and keep up with their activity.

This cold and flu season is in full swing, and the toll such illnesses take on a family can be minimized with proper care and diligent behavior. Teaching your child healthy habits can help to keep sickness at a minimum.

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