How To Protect Your Child From Infectious Diseases

Infections and diseases are all around us. A safe world in which there is no danger or threat to our health and well-being is categorically utopian. The only pragmatic solution lies in preparing ourselves to face the dangers and taking precautions.

We have come so far in terms of science, medicine, and technology. There are ultramodern tools that help you combat serious illnesses. However, as the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. When you become a parent, the safety and well-being of your young one become your priority. Everything else naturally takes a back seat, as you spend your days preoccupied with their health and growth.

Sometimes, we feel overwhelmed and powerless by the diseases that emerge day after day. Contrary to popular belief, the truth is that there is a lot that parents can do to keep their children safe. From providing them a safe environment to grow up in to keeping up with their immunization schedule, these small and simple steps go a long way in ensuring the best life for them. Then why do we still fall short?

Parenting involves a lot of learning. There is a surprising amount of false information circulating on social media and the internet. Naturally, when we come across them, our minds are boggled. Instead, we should try to empower parents to make their own decisions about their kids’ lives, such as providing booster vaccines to preschoolers and adolescent kids.

It is impossible to rule out the possibility of infectious diseases. Even when you stay at home, there are many unforeseen ways in which you can come in contact with diseases. Limiting your child’s freedom and joy in order to keep them protected would only cause resentment and dissatisfaction. That’s what makes vaccinations a good solution to this problem.

Vaccinations are an easy and efficient way to improve your child’s immunity. They help you make sure that your child doesn’t fall prey to infections that could stifle their growth in life. There are dedicated vaccines for illnesses such as diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, which could prove fatal. DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis) booster vaccines are specially designed to keep these diseases at bay. There are specified doses for different age groups.

The first DTP shot is mandatorily administered in babies. But immunity could wear off as kids grow older. That is why parents are advised to give their kids a booster shot at later stages. A second and third dose of DTP vaccines can be given to the children of ages 4-6 and 9-13, respectively. A regular DTP booster dose is recommended even after adolescence and throughout adult life, for continuous immunity. You can also consult a medical professional nearby if you wish to have more details about these diseases and how these can be prevented.

It is equally important to stick to the vaccination schedule. These vaccine schedules are recommended by the Indian Association of Pediatrics (IAP), and the World Health Organisation (WHO). It is not advisable to delay vaccine doses, as age and timing matters when it comes to immunity. It is a myth that vaccinations are only meant for babies. It is particularly important to pay attention to preschoolers and adolescents, as these are crucial stages in a child’s life. They are much more likely to come in contact and become carriers of infections that could be passed on to younger siblings and the elderly. If left unchecked, lowered immunity could cause children to fall behind in academics, extracurricular activities, and social circumstances due to illnesses.

As more and more deadly diseases surface, we have realized the importance of vaccines in improving immunity. While it is not possible to protect children from everything, there are certain measures parents can take to offer better safety and protection. Ensure that you vaccinate children belonging to these age groups with DTP boosters, more importantly, during the pandemic. It is a misconception that staying at home can prevent infections. While it does reduce exposure to an extent, it does not protect your child as effectively as a vaccination. While the lockdown has cut off our access to a lot of services, it should not stand in the way of your child’s vaccination.

Did you follow up with your child’s vaccine doses? Tell us your story in the comments below.

Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
The following two tabs change content below.