Risk Of Infectious Diseases Lurking Children During Eid, Doctors Share How To Prevent It

JAKARTA - Lebaran is the most anticipated moment by many families in Indonesia. The tradition of gathering together, apologizing, and visiting each other's relatives is an inseparable part of this celebration.

However, behind this happiness, there are health risks lurking, especially for children. Infectious diseases such as chickenpox, gondonggan, Measles, and rubella can spread rapidly, mainly due to intense physical interaction during Eid celebrations. Therefore, parents need to be vigilant and ensure that children have received the vaccinations needed to protect them from the risk of infection.

According to a pediatrician, dr. Kurniawan Satria Denta, physical activities such as shaking hands and hugging can be an effective path of disease spread. Droplets or saliva splashes from infected people can easily move to other people, especially when in crowded environments such as during homecoming or large family gatherings.

"Punyakits such ascampura, gondonggan, chickenpox, and rubella can be transmitted quickly and cause serious complications, ranging from pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), to death," said dr. Denta, when met in the Kebon Sirih area, Menteng, Central Jakarta on Tuesday, March 11.

One of the diseases that often appear during Eid is chickenpox. This disease is highly contagious and can spread even before the main symptoms appear.

"If there is one patient who has chickenpox, there will definitely be another patient. What needs to be remembered is that before the lents appear, the virus can already be contagious," explained dr. Denta.

In addition to chickenpox, gondongan is also a threat that must be watched out for. This disease is characterized by swelling in the saliva gland which can cause pain and discomfort. Gondongan can also lead to serious complications such as meningitis (inflammatory brain membranes) and orchitical (temperatures in men).

Vaccination is the best preventive measure to protect children from potentially harmful infectious diseases. With vaccination, the child's immune system can recognize and fight viruses or bacteria that cause disease before they are completely infected.

"Vaccination is the best preventive measure to reduce the risk of infection and prevent the spread of disease in the surrounding environment," said dr. Kurniawan.

Several important vaccines are given to children before Lebaran, namely Measles, gondongan, and rubella (MMR) vaccines to protect children from the risk of wajah, gandongan, and highly contagious rubella. In addition, the vatricella vaccine is to prevent waterpox that can spread quickly, especially in crowded environments.

Then, influenza vaccines to reduce the risk of contracting the flu can also spread easily through droplets. Finally, the DPT (diffthetry, pertussis, tetanus) vaccine can provide protection against difftheria, rejan cough, and tetanus.

Ideally, vaccination is given long before the moment of Eid so that the body has time to build protection. If the child has not received vaccination according to schedule, immediately consult a doctor to pursue immunizations that are lagging behind.

"Make sure your child gets immunizations according to schedule before traveling, especially if you are going to meet a lot of people during homecoming." added dr. Denta.

In addition to vaccination, there are several steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of disease spread during Eid:

1. Wash Your Hands Routinely

Teach children to always wash their hands before eating and after shaking hands.

2. Use Masks if needed

If there are family members who are sick, they should use masks to prevent transmission.

3. Avoid Contacts with Sick People

If there are relatives who are sick, it is better to limit interactions to protect children.

4. Keep Your Diet And Children's Rest

Make sure your child gets enough nutrition and enough sleep so that your immune system remains optimal.