16/12/2025

LYFE TUESDAY | DEC 16, 2025

23 Keeping kids safe this holiday season

T HE school holidays are a time children eagerly await. It is a season filled with long mornings, outdoor adventures, family road trips and precious bonding moments. For parents, however, the holidays can bring a new set of concerns as children spend more time outside, travel more frequently, and face greater exposure to illnesses and environmental risks. This year, those concerns are heightened by the recent floods across several states and the increasing cases of influenza and other infectious diseases. Understanding rise of seasonal infections When school is out, children naturally spend more time in public spaces. They gather in shopping malls, indoor playgrounds, theme parks, holiday resorts and cinemas. While these spaces offer entertainment and learning experiences, they also increase exposure to germs. This year, Malaysia has seen a notable rise in influenza, upper respiratory tract infections, stomach bugs and viral fevers. These illnesses spread easily among children, especially when they play in close contact or share food and toys. What parents can do to protect their children Prevention begins with daily habits. Parents should: 0 Teach children to wash their hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet, before meals and after outdoor play 0 Encourage them to avoid sharing water bottles, cutlery, snacks, towels or pillows 0 Keep sick children at home until their fever subsides to prevent spreading illness 0 Ensure medical evaluation if symptoms are persistent or if breathing difficulty is observed 0 Consider the annual flu vaccine, especially for toddlers, school-aged children and those with asthma Although restrictions have eased, Covid-19 continues to exist within the community. Simple habits such as handwashing, wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces and staying home when unwell remain effective. Impact of flood season on children’s health With the recent monsoon floods affecting various states, families must be extra vigilant about environmental hazards. Floodwater is not just rainwater. It often contains sewage, animal waste, harmful bacteria, chemicals, sharp objects and debris that remain hidden beneath the surface. Health dangers from floodwater include: 0 Leptospirosis 0 Skin rashes and fungal infections 0 Diarrhoeal diseases 0 Injuries from submerged debris o Parental tips for travelling, gatherings, flood season

Active supervision can make a significant difference in ensuring the safety of your child. – 123RFPIC

0 Creating moments of calm, such as reading together or quiet play 0 Offering reassurance when children feel overstimulated or anxious 0 Maintaining predictable morning or bedtime routines 0 Encouraging open conversations about their feelings 0 Spending quality one-on-one time to strengthen emotional security A child who feels emotionally supported is more resilient and confident during the holiday period. medical attention? Bring your child to a doctor immediately if they experience 0 Persistent or high fever 0 Difficulty breathing or wheezing 0 Severe vomiting or diarrhoea 0 Rash accompanied by fever 0 Signs of dehydration 0 Fever after floodwater exposure 0 Unusual drowsiness or irritability Prompt medical care can prevent serious complications and support faster recovery. Safe, meaningful school holiday for every child With thoughtful planning and awareness, families can fully enjoy the school break with peace of mind. Healthy habits begin at home, when parents stay informed and attentive children thrive even in challenging seasons. May this holiday season bring your family joy, rest, laughter, learning and above all, good health. This article is contributed by Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital paediatrician Dr Johan Aref Jamaluddin. When should parents seek

0 Reheat leftovers thoroughly and avoid reheating more than once 0 Store perishable items properly, especially during long trips Proper food handling is one of the most important ways to keep children free from stomach-related illnesses during the holidays. Maintaining healthy routine amid holiday excitement The school holidays often disrupt regular schedules. Children may sleep later, snack more frequently, skip meals or spend long hours on screens. While it is normal to relax routines, children still need balance to stay physically and mentally healthy. A healthy routine includes: 0 Consistent sleep patterns to support growth and immunity 0 Nutritious meals with enough fruits and vegetables 0 Adequate hydration especially during outdoor play 0 At least 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity a day 0 Screen time limits to prevent eye strain and behavioural issues Balanced routines help children enjoy their holidays without feeling restless or fatigued. Safe play: At home, outdoors Children explore fearlessly during holidays. Whether climbing playground structures, cycling on the road or running around the house, excitement can quickly turn into injury if not carefully supervised. Outdoor safety tips: 0 Always supervise swimming even if children are confident swimmers 0 Use helmets, elbow pads and knee pads for cycling and skating 0 Avoid activities during heavy

rain lightning or flood warnings 0 Ensure safe footwear to prevent slips and falls Indoor safety reminders: 0 Keep floors dry especially after mopping 0 Secure tall furniture to prevent tipping 0 Store medicines, detergents and sharp items out of reach 0 Use corner guards for tables if toddlers are around Accidents often occur within seconds. Active supervision makes a significant difference. Travel safety for road trips, family adventures Many families travel during school holidays, whether returning to their hometowns or exploring new destinations. Travel preparation is essential for safety and comfort. Parents should: 0 Use the correct car seat for each child based on age and size 0 Ensure every child wears a seat belt at all times 0 Carry a well-stocked first aid kit 0 Bring necessary medications for asthma, allergies, fever and motion sickness 0 Keep hand sanitisers and wet wipes readily available 0 Ensure vaccinations are up to date Preparedness reduces risks and ensures smoother travels. Supporting emotional, mental well-being While holidays are enjoyable, they can also be overwhelming for some children. Disrupted routines, overstimulation and long travel days can lead to irritability or emotional distress. Parents can support children by:

0 Eye and ear infections Children may see floodwater as something fun to splash in, but exposure can lead to serious illnesses. If accidental contact occurs, wash the child immediately with clean water and monitor for fever or muscle aches. Mosquito-borne diseases after heavy rain After floods, stagnant water accumulates in drains, puddles, pails and plant pots. These become ideal breeding areas for mosquitoes, raising the risk of dengue, chikungunya and Zika. Parents are advised to: 0 Apply child-friendly mosquito repellent regularly 0 Dress children in long-sleeved clothing when they play outdoors 0 Use mosquito nets especially for toddlers 0 Remove stagnant water from containers and flower pots at home 0 Keep windows closed in the evening or ensure screens are intact Simple environmental care can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. Ensuring meals are safe during travels, gatherings The holidays often mean picnics, food courts, festive gatherings and more dining out. While these are enjoyable, food poisoning cases also tend to rise. This is especially common in flood-affected areas where food handling or storage may be compromised. Parents should: 0 Choose eateries with visible cleanliness and good crowd turnover 0 Avoid raw or contaminated foods, including seafood that may be unsafe during monsoon season 0 Offer only boiled or bottled water