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Autumn Health: Prevention Comes First

Autumn is a high-risk season for infectious diseases. Common autumn infectious diseases such as hand-foot-and-mouth disease, autumn diarrhea, herpangina, mumps, and influenza can easily spread among adolescents and children with low resistance. Here, we share some prevention knowledge about these common autumn infectious diseases with parents, hoping that both parents and schools can work together to take preventive measures and protect children's health.


Gastrointestinal Diseases

In autumn, the human body is stimulated by cold air, leading to an increase in histamine in the blood, increased gastric acid secretion, and spasmodic contraction of the gastrointestinal tract. This results in decreased resistance and adaptability to the climate. Additionally, as the weather cools, people tend to have a stronger appetite, placing a heavier burden on gastrointestinal function and causing a recurrence of stomach diseases. Apart from keeping warm, patients with stomach diseases should engage in appropriate physical exercise to improve blood circulation in the gastrointestinal tract, reduce the risk of illness, and maintain a balanced diet with small, frequent meals at regular intervals to enhance gastrointestinal adaptability.


Influenza

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza viruses. The main sources of infection are patients and virus carriers, with the highest infectivity occurring within the first three days before the onset of symptoms. The virus spreads through droplets expelled during sneezing, coughing, or talking.


Symptoms of influenza include sudden high fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, general fatigue, nasal congestion, sore throat, and dry cough. A few patients may experience digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.


Health and Hygiene Tips

  1. Maintain a balanced diet and increase nutrition. Drink plenty of water, consume adequate vitamins, and eat foods rich in high-quality protein, carbohydrates, and trace elements, such as lean meat, poultry eggs, red dates, honey, fresh vegetables, and fruits.

  2. Actively participate in physical exercise to strengthen the body and improve resistance to pathogens. Encourage children to engage in necessary physical exercise from a young age, increase outdoor activities, and improve their adaptability to temperature changes and resistance to diseases.

  3. Avoid crowded public places to prevent children from contracting diseases, as respiratory infectious diseases are primarily transmitted through droplets.

  4. Maintain hygiene by keeping indoor spaces clean, ventilating regularly, and ensuring fresh air. Regularly air out bedding, bathe,  change clothes, and wash hands thoroughly (using the seven-step handwashing technique).

  5. Arrange a reasonable schedule to avoid overexertion and prevent colds, which can weaken the immune system.

  6. Avoid unprocessed and unclean food and do not drink unboiled water.

  7. Adjust clothing according to temperature changes to keep warm or cool as needed.