A doctor examines a child with hand, foot and mouth disease at Khanh Hoa Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam. Photo: T.S.
According to Nguyen Thanh Uc, a Vietnamese doctor, most of these illnesses can be prevented with simple daily precautions.
Sore throat, viral fever
One of the most common illnesses affecting children during hot weather is sore throat and viral fever.
Children often develop fever, sore throat, and loss of appetite.
While viral infections are the main cause, hot weather worsens the risk. Many families keep children in air-conditioned rooms at low temperatures or let them drink iced water to cool down quickly.
Sudden temperature changes between outdoor heat and cold indoor air dry out the throat lining, reducing local immunity and making viral infections more likely.
Direct exposure to fans while sweating also irritates the respiratory tract.
Acute diarrhea
Alongside respiratory illnesses, acute diarrhea cases also tend to rise during the hot season.
High temperatures cause food to spoil quickly if not stored properly.
Children consuming contaminated food or unsafe water are prone to diarrhea.
For young children, dehydration from diarrhea combined with heavy sweating can rapidly worsen their condition.
Hand, foot and mouth disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is another concern during summer months.
This viral illness spreads through contact and the digestive tract.
During summer, children often play together, and poor hand hygiene makes transmission easier.
As for preventive measures, the doctor recommended simple steps to reduce risks.
Parents are advised to maintain indoor temperatures between 26 and 27 degrees Celsius, avoiding sharp differences with outdoor heat.
When children return home after outdoor activities in hot weather, they should be wiped dry, allowed to rest, and only bathed after their body temperature stabilizes.
Proper food hygiene is equally important.
Meals should be thoroughly cooked, drinking water should be boiled, and leftover food should not be stored for extended periods.
Limiting iced drinks and cold foods can also help reduce health risks.
Parents should encourage children to drink water regularly and wash hands with soap properly, as well as seek medical attention promptly if unusual symptoms appear.
