Taiwanese doctor warns of three major summer illnesses children should avoid

As children in Taiwan prepare for their summer holidays, pediatricians are warning parents about three prevalent illnesses that pose a significant threat: enterovirus, heat-related colds, and food poisoning. Dr. Lu Yen-Feng, a gynecologist and popular health communicator, highlighted these concerns on his Facebook page, emphasizing the particular vulnerability of young children due to their less mature thermoregulation systems.

Enterovirus is a primary concern, especially in environments where children gather, such as kindergartens and daycare centers. Symptoms can include fever, sore throat, mouth sores, and rashes on the hands and feet. Dr. Lu advises strict hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing, avoiding the sharing of utensils, and regular disinfection of toys. He stresses that children who are sick should not be sent to school.

Heat-related colds, often mistaken as uncommon in summer, can easily affect children. Frequent transitions between air-conditioned indoor spaces and hot outdoor environments, coupled with sweating, can lead to symptoms like nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, and fever. Dr. Lu recommends parents keep light jackets handy, change sweaty clothes promptly, and maintain comfortable, well-ventilated indoor temperatures to mitigate the risk.

Food poisoning is another significant summer hazard due to the rapid spoilage of food in warm weather. Contaminated items like bento boxes, dairy products, seafood, and eggs can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. Dr. Lu urges parents to ensure food is not left at room temperature for extended periods, to reheat food thoroughly before consumption, and to exercise caution with food choices when eating out. Vigilance regarding food safety is paramount to protect children from these common summer ailments.