Parents often ask Dr. Shruti Bonabu, a pediatrician at Medcare Women & Children Hospital: “How can I protect my child from infections when we go out in public?”
This concern is natural. Public spaces—parks, shopping malls, schools, and even birthday parties—offer children valuable opportunities to learn and socialize, but they are also filled with germs that can cause illnesses ranging from mild colds to more serious infections.
Dr. Bonabu emphasizes: “It is neither possible nor healthy to eliminate all germs. Some exposure helps develop the child’s immune system. However, there are practical steps that significantly reduce infection risks while allowing children to explore the world safely.”
First Line of Defense: Hygiene
The most important habit for preventing infections is proper handwashing. Children naturally touch everything around them—railings, toys, doorknobs, elevator buttons—and then touch their faces, spreading germs easily.
Tips for Teaching Children Hygiene:
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Handwashing: Teach children to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after outdoor play. Make it fun by singing “Happy Birthday” twice or imagining soap bubbles as superheroes chasing germs.
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Hand sanitizer: If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
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Healthy habits: Encourage using tissues when sneezing or coughing and avoid sharing bottles or utensils.
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Balanced exposure: Allow children to play and socialize while taking reasonable precautions to strengthen immunity.
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Recognize early signs of illness: Monitor for fever or persistent cough and consult a doctor promptly.
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Model behavior: Parents who practice good hygiene set a practical example for children.
With these measures, children can enjoy safe play and social interactions without compromising health.
Second Line of Defense: Strengthen the Immune System
A strong immune system acts as a natural shield. While no child can avoid all germs, a healthy immune system reduces the severity of illness and speeds recovery.
Tips to Boost Immunity:
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Balanced nutrition: Provide a variety of colorful fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein sources for essential vitamins and minerals.
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Adequate sleep: Children typically need 9–12 hours of sleep daily for optimal immune function.
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Physical activity: Daily play and exercise support both physical health and immunity.
Third Line of Defense: Vaccinations
Keeping up with the recommended vaccination schedule is crucial. Vaccines protect the child and those around them, including infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Regularly consulting your pediatrician ensures that all vaccinations are up to date, offering peace of mind and a stronger start to a healthy life.
Integrate Healthy Habits into Daily Life
Teach Coughing and Sneezing Etiquette
Children can unknowingly spread germs. Teaching them simple habits greatly reduces the spread of respiratory infections:
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Encourage sneezing or coughing into a tissue or the elbow, not hands.
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Dispose of tissues immediately.
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Wash hands promptly after sneezing or coughing.
Awareness in Public Spaces
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Avoid crowded indoor areas during flu season or school outbreaks.
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Keep sick children at home to protect them and others.
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Encourage outdoor play whenever possible; fresh air reduces germ concentration.
Regular Health Checkups
Routine pediatric visits help detect illnesses early and ensure the child’s growth and development are on track. These visits also confirm that vaccination schedules are maintained and provide guidance on seasonal infection prevention.
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