Bring Children on a Trip, Doctors Remind to Rest Every 3 Hours

Dream - Eid al-Fitr is just around the corner, many workers have applied for leave to go back to their hometowns. Bringing children on a trip is certainly a memorable moment.

One of the transportation modes that many people choose for a trip is using a private car. If the distance is not too far, a car is indeed a comfortable transportation, with protected privacy and the ability to carry many items.

If you decide to go on a trip with a private car, there are important things to consider, namely the comfort and health of the children. Dr. Frieda Handayani, a pediatrician, through her Instagram account @frieda.handayani, reminds parents of several things to consider when bringing children on a trip.

"Long journeys, the comfort of the vehicle used for the trip, and weather conditions can cause fatigue and a decrease in the child's immune system. Trips during a homecoming journey often make children experience conditions such as illness, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and cold," she said.

Make sure that before going on a trip, the condition of the car is in good condition for long journeys. Provide rest time so that children can stretch their bodies and get fresh air.

"Try to always stop at available rest areas, every 2-3 hours,
so that our children can rest, eat in a comfortable situation, breathe fresh air, and move their bodies," said Dr. Frieda.

If you are going on a trip using public transportation, make sure our children have enough space. Children over 3 years old should have their own seat on a travel bus, train, or bus.

For food during the trip for babies and toddlers, they must still get enough nutrition to maintain their immune system during the journey. Also pay attention to the cleanliness of the food and drinking water consumed.

"Don't forget to wash hands before eating, to prevent germs from entering the child's body," she added.

Rotavirus, the Cause of Child Diarrhea and Highly Contagious

Dream - Vomiting and diarrhea often occur in children. They are often accompanied by fever and blood in their feces. When a child experiences continuous vomiting and diarrhea, their appetite will definitely change drastically.

One of the causes is rotavirus, which is highly contagious. This virus is the most common cause of diarrhea in infants and children worldwide, resulting in more than 215,000 deaths each year.

Rotavirus is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, or from the feces of an infected person accidentally entering the mouth of a healthy person. Rotavirus transmission is very easy and often occurs without realization, for example through contaminated water, food, drinks, and objects around parents and children.

Ninety-five percent of children worldwide have been infected with rotavirus by the time they reach 5 years old, and most first infections occur before the child turns 5 years old.

Symptoms of Rotavirus Infection

Rotavirus infection usually begins within two days after exposure to the virus. The initial symptoms of rotavirus infection are fever (40°C or higher) and vomiting, followed by watery diarrhea for three to eight days.

In addition to fever, watery diarrhea, and vomiting, other symptoms of rotavirus infection can include lethargy, irritability, body aches, and signs of dehydration. Infants infected with severe rotavirus can experience vomiting and diarrhea up to 20 times a day, which can potentially cause severe dehydration.

Some children with severe symptoms need to be hospitalized. Prompt and appropriate treatment will be crucial in reducing the risk of severe symptoms.

Maintain Cleanliness

Exclusive breastfeeding, hand washing, access to clean water, sanitation, and cleanliness can help prevent rotavirus infection, but it may not be enough. This virus can survive for up to 2 months outside the human body and can spread from person to person or through contaminated surfaces, including toys.

Most cases of rotavirus infection occur before the age of 1 year. Little ones are born with an immune system that can fight off most germs, but there are some deadly diseases that they cannot handle. That is why they need vaccines to strengthen their immune system.

Vaccine

A survey shows that 92% of babies hospitalized due to rotavirus infection have never been vaccinated, and most parents are unaware of rotavirus vaccination.

Rotavirus infection is highly contagious and can be prevented with vaccination. Like other vaccines, it is recommended to consult directly with healthcare professionals to learn more about the appropriate time to administer the vaccine.

Source: Fimela