Breastfeeding and immunisations are more important than ever to protect children from a post-lockdown infection surge, say health-care workers.
Lower-respiratory-tract infections and gastroenteritis are dominating a wave of child-related infections being seen by health-care workers as children did not have the usual immunity-bolstering exposure to them during lockdown and closed schools, says Dr Ben van Stormbroek, head of paediatrics at Victoria Hospital.
“What we’ve noticed is an immune gap – children have not been exposed as much for two years and have not built up their immunity. Therefore many are requiring admission with nasty respiratory tract infections. Also, we’re seeing the socio-economic impact playing out with malnutrition in children being a major concern.”
August was Child Safety Month, but health-care workers like Dr Van Stormbroek say parents really need to prioritise their child’s safety daily. Breastfeeding is one way to protect and boost a child’s immunity, and they should also go for all their clinic check-ups so nurses can check they meet developmental milestones and give them immunisation jabs.
Dr Van Stormbroek says breastmilk protects the children and provides them with antibodies to fight disease. “Breastfeeding decreases deaths from diarrhoea and pneumonia of children under the age of 5,” he says.
Sinetemba Dyani, mother of 3-month-old Liyahluma, encourages all mothers to breastfeed for the health of their baby as far as possible.
“If you struggle to breastfeed or have questions, you can ask the nurse at your clinic. They helped me to breastfeed my baby.”
Parents and caregivers also need to be aware of the signs of pneumonia because infections can spread easily in packed homes. Signs include difficulty in breathing, fast breathing, or chest “in-drawing”.
Dr Van Stormbroek says pneumonia is preventable and one of the measures is to ensure that babies are given breastmilk only for the first six months and then introduced to solid foods combined with breastfeeding until they turn 2.
Parents and caregivers should also prevent their baby from exposure to smoke from cigarettes or indoor fires. Cigarette smoking not only affects children but also affects the growth and health of babies still in the womb.
He stresses that clinic visits must be up to date and at least once a month so that the primary health-care nurses can check the growth and development of the baby; administer immunisations that will protect the baby against the main causes of pneumonia; give vitamin A which protects especially against diarrhoea and other infections; give deworming medication; and provide any needed counselling and advise mothers on nutrition.
Babies who need additional care will be referred to the correct facility.
To see a list of health-care facilities where you can get your child immunised, visit westerncape.gov.za
