What do pediatricians say about infections in preschool?
When our children first step into a classroom in the Children's school, we have the practical assurance that this year will be marked by the arrival in our house of viruses and bacteria from which they are infected. The popular ideology is full of doubts about it. If my child is in a class since he was a child will be immunized before? Are new students always sick? The Spanish Pediatric Association, AEP, It has been resolved these doubts.
Is it convenient to take the children to a nursery school?
Pediatricians clarify that in addition to the benefits they bring to work-life balance, children's schools also have other positive effects related to the child's health. Thus, they are previously immunized by the earlier and more intense exposure to some infectious agents that usually translate into repeated episodes of colds, gastroenteritis, skin infections, conjunctivitis, etc., many of them with fever.
This means that the child generates defenses against these pathogens. Your immune system will be ready for the start of school and will not be such an easy target for these conditions. Therefore, pediatricians recommend that children be in preschools at least one year before their Start in Primary. In this way antibodies will be obtained to fight against these diseases.
Is it normal that they are always sick?
Pediatricians clarify that these infections, especially those caused by virus, they are infected by simple exposure to other sick children. The greater the concentration of students, the more likely it is that someone will test ill. Therefore, it will be easier to infect your colleagues.
Prevention in these cases is usually difficult, especially in diseases of the respiratory tract. Most of them are already transmitted before manifesting the first symptoms. That is, they can be contagious before they are diagnosed. The pediatricians clarify to the parents that this situation can be considered as an inexplicable stage that must be passed and that a normal child will overcome without great problems.
How are these diseases transmitted?
There are three fundamental ways through which these conditions are spread:
- Fecal. It occurs when the pathogen is eliminated in the faeces and contagion occurs through dirty hands or some other contaminated object. This is how, among others, viral and bacterial gastroenteritis and intestinal parasites are transmitted.
- Respiratory. The pathogen is expelled by coughing or sneezing, and spreads while others breathe it. It can also be spread by contact with saliva or mucus from the patient. This is the case of colds, flu and other common infactions.
- Contact with skin or objects. These act as carriers in the transmission of infections. It occurs with both diseases and parasites. s.
Should the child be taken to school in these situations?
It is not always necessary keep children at home while going through these conditions. These are the situations in which parents should prevent their children from coming into contact with other children:
- When the child needs care that can not be received at school or is unable to participate in the normal activities of the center.
- Before symptoms of affectation of his general state, like fever, respiratory difficulty, irritability, etc. Also to clinical pictures that are not well defined and that have the potential danger of a serious condition, such as vomiting without a cause that explains it.
- When symptoms appear diarrhea and mucus with blood, purulent conjunctivitis, impetigo, lice, scabies, chickenpox, whooping cough, measles, mumps, tuberculosis or hepatitis A.
- When in the opinion of the pediatrician should be careful.
Damián Montero
