Sunway: Young children often experience coughs, rashes, or mild fevers that disrupt their daily routines and schooling, causing parents to be overwhelmed with worry and work-related issues because they have to take care of their children who are not well. Pediatrician and Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist at Sunway Medical Centre, Bandar Sunway, Dr. Ch'ng Tong Wei, highlighted that children, especially those who have just entered preschool, are prone to falling ill frequently, between eight and 12 times a year, due to their weak immune systems.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Ch'ng explained that a child's immune system matures through exposure to various infections, which aids in the production of antibodies. This process helps older children and adults become less susceptible to diseases. In Malaysia's tropical climate, common infections among children include influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus infections, HFMD, gastroenteritis, dengue, as well as diseases like chickenpox and measles, especially when vaccination rates are low.
Dr. Ch'ng noted that most infections among healthy children are mild and self-limiting. However, she advised parents to be vigilant about warning signs such as fever lasting more than three days, difficulty breathing, unusual drowsiness, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, and quickly spreading rashes, as these may indicate more serious conditions.
Discussing immune disorders, Dr. Ch'ng mentioned that while rare, these problems can result in more severe or prolonged infections. Children with immunodeficiency may require frequent hospitalization and suffer from recurrent viral or fungal infections, with poor growth or weight gain serving as potential indicators.
She pointed out that a child's ability to fight infections is influenced by genetics, environment, lifestyle practices, and preventive measures. Children with conditions like asthma, eczema, or allergies may be naturally more prone to illness. Parents can bolster their children's immunity through healthy practices such as adequate sleep, regular exercise, balanced diets, and maintaining hand hygiene.
Dr. Ch'ng emphasized that there is no necessity for expensive supplements, as most children's needs can be met with a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Hygiene practices like handwashing, wearing face masks, and avoiding crowded places are also crucial for reducing infection risks, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vaccination remains one of the most effective preventive measures, with routine vaccines significantly reducing diseases like measles and pertussis. Additional vaccines for rotavirus, hepatitis A, and chickenpox offer further protection. Regular health check-ups for monitoring growth and development are essential, and Dr. Ch'ng urged parents not to wait for illness to schedule doctor appointments.