Kids' Health Crisis: Climate Change's Invisible Toll

Indian children are increasingly falling sick due to the impacts of climate change. Extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, and severe air pollution are becoming more common, placing a significant burden on developing immune systems. This leads to frequent bouts of fever, coughs, and stomach infections, challenging the notion of simply 'weak immunity'.

Pediatricians observe a rise in heat-related illnesses, dehydration, and respiratory infections during heat spells. Floods contribute to waterborne diseases, while winter smog exacerbates asthma and throat infections. These environmental stressors force children's immune systems to work overtime, impairing their ability to fight off illness.

Parents can mitigate these effects through consistent daily habits. Promoting a diet rich in fresh foods, ensuring safe drinking water, and utilizing home remedies can support immunity. Crucially, regular handwashing with soap is vital in preventing germ transmission. Maintaining home hygiene, especially when spending more time indoors, is also recommended.

For increased protection outdoors during poor air quality or high infection periods, FFP2 S masks can reduce exposure to pollutants. The Savlon Swasth India Mission highlights that these preventive hygiene practices are foundational for disease prevention. Their initiatives have successfully promoted hand hygiene among millions of children since 2016, showing tangible habit changes and perceived health improvements.