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Health Tips: After viral fever (Viral Fever) Anemia in children is common. Children’s immune systems have to work harder to fight infections than adults. Due to this, children feel like they have low physical energy for a few days. Anemia is normal after a viral illness. But, proper care of children helps them to recover quickly.
Many children in India are recovering from viral infections and experience symptoms such as high fever, cough, cold, sore throat, body aches and fatigue. In this phase, the role of parents becomes important. Special information about what to do and what not to do in such a case. Prashant Laxmanrao Ramtekkar, Paediatrics and Neonatal Specialist, Motherhood Hospitals, Lullanagar, Pune has contributed through this article.
what will you do
Get enough rest and sleep:
Rest gives the body a chance to heal itself. Children recovering from viral fevers need the same amount of sleep each night as is appropriate for their age. Preschoolers (3 to 5 years): 10 to 13 hours, Elementary school children (6 to 12 years): 9 to 12 hours, Teenagers (13 to 18 years): 8 to 10 hours. Also, taking breaks from time to time refreshes the children. Do not send the child to school or tutoring until he feels better.
Keep children hydrated:
Dehydration is caused by sweating or reduced fluid intake due to fever. Children should drink water, soup, coconut water, buttermilk or lemon juice regularly throughout the day. Children aged 4 to 8 years should drink about 5 cups (1.2 liters) of water per day, children aged 9 to 13 years should drink 7 to 8 cups (1.6-1.9 liters) per day, teenagers (14-18 years) should drink 8 to 11 cups (1.9-2.6 liters) per day. If children do not drink enough water, they can suffer from dehydration, so hydration is very important.
Focus on a balanced, nutritious diet:
Parents should feed their children light, home-cooked, fresh food. Include fruits, vegetables, protein-rich foods, eggs, yogurt, probiotics, and cereals and soups to restore the immune system to replenish vitamins and antioxidants.
Do not ignore the symptoms:
Get checked out immediately if you develop symptoms such as fatigue or dizziness, increased heart rate or shortness of breath that last more than 10 to 14 days. These indicate viral complications such as myocarditis or anemia.
Avoid ‘these’ things
Avoid physical activity, play or sending the child to school until he is fully recovered. Overexertion causes fatigue and takes longer to recover.
Avoid giving junk food and processed food to children. Fried, sugary or processed foods slow down digestion and prolong recovery time. Instead, eat bland, nutritious and home-cooked food.
Avoid giving caffeinated liquids and energy drinks to children:
Caffeine can cause sleep disturbances and dehydration in children. Avoid tea, coffee, cold drinks or energy drinks completely until you are fully recovered.
Ensure children get enough rest and sleep, proper hydration along with a balanced diet is essential, a nutritious diet with immune boosting foods is equally important. Avoid junk food, caffeinated liquids and overexertion. With proper care, most children regain energy within a week or two after the fever subsides.
– Dr. Prashant Laxmanrao Ramtekkar, Paediatrics and Neonatal Specialist, Motherhood Hospitals, Lullanagar, Pune
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