First year of kindergarten: infections and protection

The first year of kindergarten It is a positive experience for children on many levels: socialization, autonomy, fun and learning… but the negative part is the propensity for infections due to contact with other children. Despite the hygiene standards that all children's centers have, it is almost impossible to avoid exposure to bacteria, viruses or parasites, responsible for the most common diseases within the new daily space.

• Manipulation of objects: it is inevitable to prevent one child from playing with another, so if one is sick it is easy for them to infect another simply by sharing common objects such as pacifiers, toys, stories, balls, etc.
• Lack of hygiene: staff should be stressed about the importance of hand washing. Many times they forget to clean their hands before and after handling food, changing diapers, and this makes it possible to spread an infection that is easily transmitted to children. Likewise, it is important that cleaning staff keep bathrooms and common areas in good condition because they are another important vehicle for transmitting disease.
• Lack of vaccination: both children and teachers should be attentive to the calendars of, because it is one of the most effective ways to prevent some diseases.
• Exploration of space: children have the particularity of exploring the space where they develop with their hands and also with their mouth. For this reason, environmental health measures must be extreme in recreational areas, swings, sleeping mattresses, tables, chairs ...

How to prevent infections in the first year of kindergarten?

Breastfeeding

It is the best food for infants, both for its nutritional composition and its immune capacity. When taking it, the baby receives antibodies from its mother that, like a natural vaccine, protect the child from infections.

Vaccination

It is the best way to prevent certain diseases. It is the second advance in human history, after hand washing, that has saved the most lives. All vaccines recommended by the AEPED (Spanish Association of Pediatrics) are recommended. Vaccination is essential to achieve the prevention of some contagious infections such as rotavirus, chickenpox, measles, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, polio, meningitis, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, among others. It is also essential that nursery staff are vaccinated, because adults forget to repeat or complete vaccination doses and become transmitters of diseases. All staff who work in the daycare should be vaccinated annually against the flu.

Sufficient rest and food

A child who does not get enough and who is not offered a balanced diet will be more prone to catching infections and, in addition, these will take longer to heal.

Respect the period of convalescence after an illness

We cannot pretend to take sick or not fully recovered children to daycare. During an infection the immune system can be weakened and, therefore, leaves the body more vulnerable in the face of catching another infection. Children have the right to be sick: to be treated, cured and recovered at home, not at daycare. In addition, a sick child becomes a source of contagion for other classmates.

Hand washing and hygiene

The easiest way to prevent is to constantly wash your hands with soap and water. From an early age, children should also be taught basic hygiene rules.

Most common diseases in the first year of daycare

gastrointestinal infections

The intimate contact of young children allows the spread of viruses, bacteria and intestinal parasites, which can cause severe and constant diarrhea. The leading cause of diarrhea in children under the age of six is ​​rotavirus. One of the most effective ways to prevent it is through vaccination. This virus that lodges in the intestine causes liquid and profuse stools (in addition to vomiting and fever).

It is recommended that both in nurseries and at home we ensure that the place where diapers are changed is not a porous surface and is disinfected after each diaper change. In the case of diapers, they must be folded well to prevent any residual stool from escaping and thrown in plastic bags directly into the garbage can. In addition, the person making the changes should wash their hands, especially if there will be food handling later.

Skin infections

In a nursery it is very common for children to touch each other; Through this route, skin infections can be spread. The most common are impetigo and chickenpox. In it, the affected child scratches, contaminating his nails and fingers. By touching another child or an object, you spread the disease to others. The symptoms of the infection are blisters or crusty lesions that are very itchy (pruritus) and hence can be easily spread.

The recommendation is to wash your hands constantly and medicate the child to avoid the urge to scratch. It is important for teachers and parents to be aware of any changes in the appearance of the skin. As for the, it is a common disease in childhood, which is usually benign, begins with fever and vesicles. The child should stay home until all lesions have scabbed over. Chickenpox vaccination can prevent the disease.

respiratory conditions

The most common are the common colds, tonsillitis, and bronchitis. The contagion of most respiratory infections is through saliva, so it is better that the child does not go to school if he is sick.

When not to take the child to daycare

It is advisable not to take our child to the nursery in case of ...

• Fever
• Irritability
• Persistent crying
• Bronchitis or bronchiolitis
• Infectious diarrhea
• Vomiting in the previous 24 hours
• Mouth ulcers
• Rash with fever
• Conjunctivitis
• Lice
•  

• Hand washing is essential to avoid contagion.
• Keeping vaccines up to date is the best way to prevent certain diseases.
• A child who gets enough rest and eats is less likely to get sick and recovers sooner.