Rainy Season and Children Back to School, IDAI Warns of Disease Risks

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI) shares a number of steps that parents can take to protect children from increased disease risk during the rainy season, which coincides with the resumption of school activities at the beginning of the year.

The Chairman of the IDAI Central Board, Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, emphasized that although learning activities at school have an important role in children's development, health and safety aspects must remain the top priority.

"IDAI understands that the learning process in schools is very important for the social, emotional, and intellectual development of children. However, children's health and safety must be the top priority," said Piprim in an official statement in Jakarta, Tuesday.

He explained that the crowded school activities that took place in the midst of high rainfall and increased humidity levels could create conditions that support the spread of various diseases. Some diseases that need to be watched out for include influenza, diarrhea, and dengue fever.

The risk is further increased because the rainy season is also often associated with the potential for flooding and other hydrometeorological disasters, which can worsen environmental and health conditions.

For this reason, IDAI issued a number of recommendations to help maintain the child's body's resistance during school activities. One of the important initial steps is to ensure that children are in good health before going to school.

Parents are also urged to complete and check the status of children's immunization according to age, including basic and follow-up immunizations to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases (PD3I), such as measles, diphtheria, pertussis, influenza, and other diseases.

In addition to immunization, children's nutritional intake needs to be considered by providing high-nutrient foods, especially animal protein, and ensuring adequate fluids to avoid dehydration. Consumption of high-sugar foods and fast foods should be limited, and children are encouraged to always drink boiled water.

IDAI also emphasizes the importance of adequate rest time. Children are encouraged to sleep from 8 p.m. and no later than 10 p.m., depending on age, to support the optimization of the immune system.

If the child shows signs of illness such as fever, cough, cold, diarrhea, or appears weak, parents are advised to immediately take the child to a health facility and rest at home until he or she recovers to prevent transmission to other children.

From the environmental aspect, disease prevention can be carried out by implementing the 3M Plus steps, namely draining, covering, and recycling items that have the potential to become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, as well as avoiding mosquito bites. The environment of the house and school also needs to be maintained to be free from stagnant water.

Piprim added that the use of mosquito repellent lotion, mosquito nets, or long-sleeved clothing can help protect children from mosquito bites. Meanwhile, to prevent diseases such as diarrhea and leptospirosis, children need to get used to wearing footwear when playing or walking in potentially contaminated areas.

He also asked parents to instill the ethics of coughing and Healthy Living and Healthy Behavior (PHBS). Children need to be accustomed to covering their mouths and noses with their inner arms when coughing or sneezing, and to regularly wash their hands with soap and running water, especially before eating, after going to the toilet, and after playing.

The use of masks is recommended, especially if the child has symptoms of respiratory tract infections or is in a crowded place. In addition, children should not share eating utensils, drinking utensils, or personal hygiene equipment.

IDAI also highlights the importance of preparedness for the rainy season and potential disasters. Parents and schools are expected to actively communicate through information groups to convey the latest conditions and policies.

Parents are asked to report the child's health condition proactively and provide education at home. Emergency contact data, both from the family and school, must always be updated to speed up medical treatment if necessary.

Children also need to be equipped with an understanding of evacuation procedures and assembly points at school. In addition, it is recommended to prepare a disaster standby bag at home and school containing raincoats, long-lasting food, drinking water, personal medicine, spare clothes, small flashlights, whistles, and family emergency contacts.

IDAI also encourages schools to ensure the availability of hand washing facilities, clean water, and hygienic toilets, as well as regular cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched areas.

Cooperation between schools and local health centers is also considered important for monitoring the health of school residents and implementing health education.

Meanwhile, local governments are expected to optimize health facilities, ensure the school environment is safe from the risk of flooding or landslides, and strengthen the early warning system.