Sargodha: Paediatrician Dr Humaira Azhar has urged parents to take extra precautions to protect children from seasonal illnesses during the ongoing heatwave and monsoon season.
Talking to reporter here on Sunday, she said the combination of extreme heat, humidity and increased moisture during the monsoon significantly raises the risk of dehydration, diarrhoea, fever, skin infections, colds and other seasonal diseases among children.
Dr Humaita Azhar advised parents to avoid taking children outdoors during peak sunlight hours and to ensure they remain well-hydrated by providing clean drinking water, milk, fresh fruit juices and a balanced diet.
She also stressed the importance of maintaining proper hygiene to minimise the risk of infections. She warned that contaminated water and unhygienic food commonly found during the monsoon season can lead to various illnesses.
Dr Azhar advised families to provide only boiled or safe drinking water and fresh, hygienically prepared food to children.
She further emphasised that mothers of infants should also pay close attention to their own health by drinking adequate amounts of water and consuming a nutritious diet.
She encouraged breastfeeding whenever possible, noting that mother’s milk plays a vital role in strengthening a child’s immune system.
The paediatrician urged parents not to rely solely on home remedies if a child develops a high fever, persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing or signs of dehydration. She advised seeking immediate medical attention from a qualified doctor to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.