INFECTION BORN DISEASES
Invasion of the body by harmful organisms (Pathogens) is called infection such as —
(i) Bacteria
(ii) Fungi
(iii) Protozoa
(iv) Rickettsia
(v) Viruses
(vi) Carrier air-borne droplets expelled during coughing or sneezing or by direct contact.
(vii) Kissing or sexual intercourse ( in the form of venereal diseases).
(viii) By animal or insect.
(ix) Ingestion of contaminated food or drink
(x) From an infected mother to the foetus during pregnancy or birth.
(xi) Pathogenic organisms present in the soil.
(xii) Organisms may invade via wound, bite, or mucus membranes.
(xiii) Organisms from animal intermediate hosts.
Most diseases caused by the above-mentioned causative factors can be controlled effectively by certain drugs, but even then, a total immunity can neither be guaranteed nor derived. However, there is still no specific treatment for specific viral infections for most common viral infections, including the common cold and influenza. The body’s defence mechanism is an efficient barrier that keeps our body protected and guarded against infectious diseases but, then, each person’s own defence mechanism is not so strong as to efficiently wage war against invading forces, and ultimately, the defence mechanism gives in and submits to the invading forces (infections).
The infants have very weak resistance power, so they get infected quite soon. The child must be guarded against all types of infections as he cannot control the infection by proper and requisite precautions, nor can he adhere to a ‘self-management’ device—this is why the child gets easily exposed to infectious diseases. Keeping the child away from infections lies not only with the mother but with all else who comes into contact with him, like the father, younger/older children, elderly persons, nurses, maidservants or other caretakers.
STEPS SUGGESTED TO WARD OFF THE DANGER OF INFECTIONS TO A CHILD
• Do not kiss a child on the cheeks, eyes and mouth.
• Do not pump air into his ears, as it may cause pain.
• Clip the nails of hands and feet periodically and remove all the dirty matter that lodges under the nails.
• Do not let him remain under wet and moistened nappies, clothes, or garments ( change such wears as soon as they are spoiled by sweat, urine, faeces or water ).
• Fully sterilize the feeding bottles and the nipples and keep them apart and free from dust, smoke or other impurities.
Most infections only enter a child’s body through the mouth, and an unsterilized bottle/ nipple feeding bottle is the main monster.
• Nursing mothers should keep their breast nipples clean. If the mother suffers from any disease, she will surely pass on the infection to her breastfed offspring.
• Persons suffering from coryza, profuse nasal discharge, cough, skin disorder, or contagious disease should not touch and/or carry a child until they are free from infection.
• The child’s skin is most sensitive and can imbibe skin infections.
• Those suffering from oozing eczema, rashes, pimples, acne, eruptions etc., should stay away from the child.
• Avoid trusting your child to maidservants who often feed the babies with their breast milk or, when they are crying, give them opium. Such maids do not keep a high standard of personal hygiene. Moreover, they leave the children alone and engage in other duties, exposing them to heat and cold conditions or wet/rainy weather.
• Take precautions in bathing the child daily. If you act against the demands of local weather conditions, you will expose your child to hazards of multiple disorders.
• Always give pre-boiled (and then cooled down) water to baby—give lukewarm water in winter and cold (not fridged or iced) in summer.
• Keep apart all the inputs/utensils used for a baby and clean them well.
• Adults are often seen feeding the babies a portion of the foods they eat—a damaging exercise that can upset their sensitive digestive system. Neither do so yourself nor allow anyone else to do so.
• Do not let your baby suck its thumb/fingers or put any other object into the mouth, as it can cause infection/injury also.
• If an infant’s nose is blocked, never insert a finger or any other object into the nostrils. The best course is to insert 1-2 drops of saline water or Nasivion Nasal drops (Paediatric variety) into each nostril and gently compress in the ‘ Press and release method’, after which clear the trapped mucus with an earbud and, then wipe the nose.
• Infection in the eyes can enter through unhygienic care and upkeep of the eyes. If mucus in the eyes or eyes is red, consult a doctor and never put in any medicine unless directed by a physician.
• Your child may develop vomiting and nausea or suffer from flatulence if he is overfed or kept without a feed for longer. Try to adjust his feeding and sleeping times so there is no clash between these two aspects. But, in any case, do not disturb a child’s sleep to feed him, as sleep is the best tonic for a baby’s growth.
• The mothers are advised to look after their children and not leave the child to anybody’s care, though, in some cases, elderly ladies are found to be more caring. Personal hygiene and proper child care are the measuring rods for a child’s all-around growth, coupled with your love, attachment and affection.