By Olubukola Olu-Ola
Ilorin – Mrs Adenike Ariyo, a paediatrician has cautioned parents and teachers against exposing children to cold to prevent pneumonia and complications associated with it.
Ariyo, who spoke with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Ilorin, said that with the rainy season still on, parents and teachers should carefully cover up their children to prevent them from catching cold.
“Pneumonia is caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, these infections are usually regarded as a mild disease, but it requires medical attention, many kinds of germs infect the lungs to cause the disease.
“Studies have shown that pneumonia is the leading cause of death among children between five years and below.
“Pneumonia is most common among those with weaker or compromised immune systems and people suffering from other diseases, so it is therefore important to give children foods rich in vitamins, especially fresh fruits.
“Children who have cold or catarrh can easily get infected with pneumonia and also malnourished children have a high risk of contracting the disease.
“Although we are still in the rainy season, it has become imperative to guide against the disease.
“This season is also characterised by cold and it is necessary to take precautions, especially in our children who are unsuspecting and in their innocence may come in contact with the disease.
“I want to plead with our teachers in schools to watch their pupils closely, help them to maintain hygiene, especially while eating and toileting because pneumonia is contagious.
“Also at home, parents should let their children know the importance of washing their hands, fruits and anything they want to eat and to also let them know that they cannot share handkerchiefs with their friends at school.
“Parents should wear thick clothing such as sweaters, cardigans and thick inner wears to cover their children’s chest in order to prevent cold, cold is not the cause, it only complicates the infection.
“A cold that gets worse can turn into pneumonia because the cold will irritate the lungs, creating an environment where it becomes easy for germs to start an infection.
“They should watch out for the health of their children at all times, make sure that they are always in good health, so that they do not become vulnerable to diseases.
“Overall, hand sanitisers are also to be put in wards bags and they should be orientated on the use and cultivating proper hygiene,” Ariyo said.
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