Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera states that prevailing weather fluctuations, including extreme heat in certain areas of the island and heavy rainfall in others, have contributed to an increased risk of pathogen transmission among children in different ways.
Due to the prevailing extreme heat, children, adults, and pregnant women are at risk of rapid dehydration. Therefore, Dr. Perera urges everyone to increase their daily water intake.
An average adult should ideally consume at least three litres of water per day, while parents should ensure that children receive an adequate amount of water based on their body weight.
The doctor further noted that, medically, inadequate water intake over a prolonged period can significantly increase the risk of developing kidney-related ailments.
Furthermore, engaging in outdoor work, spending extended periods outdoors, or travelling in the sun without adequate hydration can lead to complications such as heatstroke, dizziness, and seizures. These conditions can be severe and, in some cases, potentially fatal.
Therefore, Dr. Perera advises everyone to carry a bottle of water when leaving home.
The specialist physician also noted a high prevalence of diarrhoea during this period. Parents are advised to ensure that children consume only clean drinking water and hygienically prepared food.
He further advised parents to avoid giving children sugary beverages and short eats, recommending natural fluids and nutritious foods such as lime juice, mandarin juice, orange juice, king coconut water, porridge, and soups.
Children who engage in outdoor activities should be encouraged to drink additional water. Dr. Perera also emphasised that allowing children to spend more time in water during periods of extreme heat can be beneficial.
Meanwhile, Dr. Deepal Perera urged parents to encourage children to engage in physical activities rather than allowing them to spend excessive amounts of time on mobile phones.
