Winter Is Knocking at the Door

Winter Is Knocking at the Door, Illness Visits Have Increased

With the arrival of winter, our encounters with illnesses have increased. Flu, allergies, and epidemics continue to be the nightmare of our children and families.

Illnesses have always existed in the past, present, and will continue to exist in the future. However, being properly informed, eating healthily, and using natural protective methods will help us get through this process more easily.

In this article, we will share how we can take precautions by becoming informed about three common illnesses that our children frequently encounter.

Swine Flu

As our children become more active in social environments, the exchange of germs and illnesses accelerates. Swine Flu (H1N1), which is commonly seen today, is a mutated form of the Influenza A virus found in pigs that can be transmitted from person to person.

What Are the Symptoms?

✔ High fever reaching 39–40°C
✔ Dry cough and sore throat
✔ Muscle and joint pain
✔ Runny nose and fatigue
✔ Vomiting and diarrhea in some cases

How Can We Protect Ourselves?

✔ Consult a doctor as soon as flu symptoms appear.
✔ Encourage mask use for both yourself and your child.
✔ The child should rest at home to prevent spreading the illness.
✔ Pay attention to healthy nutrition and adequate fluid intake to strengthen the immune system.

Remember!

Although swine flu is not as severe as in the first years it appeared, it is not an untreatable disease. Today, it can be controlled in a short time with medication.

Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease

This disease, which can turn into an epidemic especially in summer and autumn, is caused by the Coxsackie virus from the Enterovirus family. It is contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets, saliva, close contact, and stool.

What Are the Symptoms?

✔ Small red blisters on hands, feet, and inside the mouth
✔ Fatigue and weakness
✔ Sore throat and redness of the tonsils
✔ Difficulty eating due to mouth sores

Treatment Methods

✔ Antibiotics are not used because the disease is viral.
✔ Doctor-recommended lotions and sprays may reduce itching.
✔ Drinking plenty of fluids and balanced nutrition speed recovery.
✔ Hand hygiene is essential.

The disease usually resolves on its own within a week. However, children should not return to school without a doctor's approval.

Rotavirus Diarrhea (Winter Diarrhea)

Rotavirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhea especially in babies and young children during winter, is highly contagious.

What Are the Symptoms?

✔ Fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain
✔ Watery diarrhea
✔ Rapid fluid loss

The infection usually lasts 3–8 days and may cause serious dehydration. Therefore, fluid and electrolyte support must be provided.

How Is It Transmitted?

✔ Consumption of contaminated water or food
✔ Fecal-oral contact
✔ Contaminated surfaces

How Can We Protect Ourselves?

✔ Frequent handwashing with soap is very important.
✔ Ventilation and hygiene rules must be followed.
✔ Sick children should rest and increase fluid intake.

Although rotavirus does not provide complete immunity, recurrent infections are usually milder.

Measures Taken at Our School

✔ Classrooms are regularly ventilated and sterilized.
✔ Toilets and common areas are cleaned hourly.
✔ Children showing symptoms are observed and families are informed.

Children are more vulnerable in crowded places such as shopping malls, public transport, and playgrounds. Therefore, proper ventilation at home is crucial.

Things to Consider at Home

✔ Dress children appropriately instead of layering excessively.
✔ Ventilate indoor spaces frequently.
✔ Never use antibiotics without consulting a doctor.
✔ Do not give medication without medical diagnosis.

How Should We Behave During the Illness Period?

Children primarily need morale and care. However, excessive parental anxiety negatively affects them.

If:

❌ Screen time limits are removed
❌ Junk food increases
❌ Overindulgence occurs

Returning to school may become difficult. Therefore:

✔ Maintain routines.
✔ Offer beneficial activities.
✔ Encourage puzzles, board games, and art activities.

Conclusion

Although we cannot completely prevent illnesses, controlling and preventing their spread is in our hands.

✔ Follow hygiene rules.
✔ Strengthen immunity.
✔ Keep children’s morale high.
✔ Consult a doctor immediately when symptoms appear.

We wish you healthy and happy days!