World Allergy Foundation cautions parents in protecting kids from HMPV

Antibiotics play no major role in infections but could potentially damage the child’s gut immunity. Hence desirable to avoid them and strictly avoid self medication, says Dr Vyakaranam

Hyderabad: Following reports of surge in infections of HMPV in China, immunologist and founder president of World Allergy Foundation, Dr Vyakaranam Nageshwar in an advisory urged parents to be vigilant and proactive in protecting children from HMPV and other viral infections.

Encourage hydration: Ensure the child drinks plenty of water and consider preparing natural drinks like lemon juice at home. Offer these drinks periodically, especially when symptoms are present.

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Protect from extreme temperature: Avoid exposing child to extreme cold temperatures, as this can aggravate the risk of viral infections

Sunlight therapy: Ensure children take a sunbath between 10 am and 4 pm at least once a week for a minimum of 40 minutes. This can boost Vitamin D levels.

Nasal irrigation: Perform nasal irrigation with normal saline water every morning and night to help clear out viruses from upper airways

Throat gargling: Make it a habit to perform lukewarm salt water gargling for throat and oral cavity every day before bedtime

Dietary precautions: Avoid giving child outside food like pizza, burger, pasta, pani puri, cakes, high sugar foods as they cause gut disturbances and lower gut immunity

Symptoms to watch out for: Fever, cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, wheezing, shortness of breath and rashes.

“Antibiotics play no major role in infections but could potentially damage the child’s gut immunity. Hence desirable to avoid them and strictly avoid self medication,” Dr Vyakaranam added.