YOUNG children often experience coughs, rashes, or mild fevers that disrupt their daily routines and schooling, causing parents to be overwhelmed with worry and workrelated issues because they have to take care of their unwell children.
Pediatrician and Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist at Sunway Medical Centre, Bandar Sunway, Dr Ch’ng Tong Wei said that children, especially those who have just entered preschool, often fall ill easily — between eight and 12 times a year — due to their weak immune systems.
“Their immune system is like a blank sheet of paper. Over time, their immunity gets stronger because each infection helps in the production of antibodies,” she said in a statement issued by Sunway Medical Centre recently.
According to Dr Ch’ng, exposure to various infections at an early age can help mature the immune system, causing older children and adults to be less susceptible to diseases.
She said that in Malaysia’s tropical climate, common infections among children include influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and adenovirus infections, HFMD, gastroenteritis, dengue, as well as diseases such as chickenpox and measles, especially when vaccination rates are low.
However, she said most infections among healthy children are mild and selflimiting.
At the same time, she advised parents to be more sensitive to warning signs such as fever lasting more than three days, difficulty breathing, unusual drowsiness, persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, and a rash that spreads quickly, as these may indicate something more serious.
Commenting on immune disorders, Dr Ch’ng said that the problem is rare but can cause more severe or prolonged infections.
“Children with immunodeficiency often fall ill and suffer from severe infections.
They may require frequent hospitalisation or suffer from recurrent viral or fungal infections.
Poor growth or weight gain can also be a sign,” she said.
She explained that a child’s ability to fight off infections is usually influenced by a combination of factors, including genetics, environment, lifestyle practices, and preventive measures, but some groups are naturally more prone to illness due to conditions such as asthma, eczema, or allergies.
“Parents can strengthen their child’s immunity through healthy practices such as getting enough sleep, regular exercise and outdoor play, a balanced diet low in sugar, adequate fruit and vegetable intake, vitamin D supplements, and maintaining hand hygiene.
“There is no need to take expensive supplements.
Most children can get what they need from a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and a healthy routine,” she said.
At the same time, healthcare including hygiene practices is also important to ensure children stay healthy.
Practices such as washing hands, wearing face masks, and avoiding crowded places can reduce infections, as was done during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She said that vaccination is still one of the most effective methods, and routine vaccines have been proven to drastically reduce diseases such as measles and pertussis, while additional vaccines (rotavirus, hepatitis A, chickenpox) offer further protection. Dr Ch’ng also reminded parents to ensure regular health check-ups are carried out to monitor children’s growth and development.
“Don’t wait for your child to be sick to make an appointment with the doctor.
Growth monitoring, vaccinations, and developmental screenings help ensure children achieve healthy growth, physical milestones, and overall wellbeing,” she said. – BERNAMA
