Safeguarding Children’s Health During Monsoon: Expert Tips from Ruby General Hospital’s Pulmonology Department

Immune systems make them more vulnerable to seasonal illnesses. Damp surroundings, waterlogged streets, and fluctuating temperatures create favourable conditions for infections like diarrhoea, viral fevers, respiratory infections, and skin problems. Parents need to be extra cautious during this period to ensure their children remain safe and healthy. Specialists at Ruby General Hospital’s Pulmonology Department highlight that early preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of illnesses and improve overall well-being during the rainy season.

One of the most common health issues among children in monsoon is diarrhoea, primarily caused by contaminated food or water. Street food and uncovered snacks often become breeding grounds for bacteria and parasites, leading to gastrointestinal infections. To prevent this, parents should ensure children consume only home-cooked meals, drink boiled or filtered water, and avoid eating raw or cut fruits from outside vendors. Encouraging frequent handwashing with soap before meals and after playing outside is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent diarrhoea and related stomach ailments.

Another concern is skin rashes and fungal infections that thrive in humid conditions. Constantly wet clothes, sweaty skin folds, and damp footwear can cause itching, redness, and infections, especially in younger children. Keeping children dry, ensuring proper ventilation at home, and using clean cotton clothing can reduce the chances of skin irritation. It is also important to dry clothes and shoes properly to avoid mould growth, which can trigger allergies and worsen respiratory symptoms.

Respiratory infections are particularly common among children during the monsoon. The combination of damp air and allergens like mould and dust mites can lead to frequent coughing, wheezing, or breathlessness, especially in children with asthma or allergies. The Pulmonology Department at Ruby General Hospital advises that parents monitor any persistent cough, congestion, or breathing difficulty and seek timely medical advice to prevent complications. Using dehumidifiers, maintaining good indoor air circulation, and avoiding sudden exposure to cold rain-soaked air can help reduce respiratory triggers at home.

Apart from preventive care, strengthening immunity plays a key role in safeguarding children’s health. Including seasonal fruits, vegetables, and immunity-boosting foods like ginger, turmeric, and garlic in meals supports the body’s natural defences. Adequate sleep, regular hydration, and maintaining physical activity indoors through games or light exercises can also keep children active and healthy even when outdoor play is restricted.

With proper attention to hygiene, nutrition, and early medical consultation when symptoms appear, most monsoon-related illnesses in children can be prevented or managed effectively. Partnering with experienced healthcare providers, such as the team at Ruby General Hospital’s Pulmonology Department, ensures comprehensive care and guidance, helping your little ones stay safe and enjoy the rains without compromising their health.