This festive season, thousands of parents could unknowingly be putting their children at risk of “serious” health issues. With 600,000 babies across the UK set to celebrate their first Christmas, Dr Alexis Missick has voiced her deep concern that new parents might inadvertently expose their little ones to a host of infections and bugs during the holiday period.
The GP from UK Meds explained just how dangerous the holidays can be for a newborn’s delicate immune system and urged parents to exercise extra caution even around their closest family members. She pointed out three specific viruses currently wreaking havoc across the UK that could pose a serious health threat to infants.
These include the vomiting bug norovirus, the common flu and RSV, which can prove fatal for infants. Dr Missick advised any new parents to avoid exposing their babies to large groups of people until they’re around three months old to allow their immune systems time to develop.
Due to their weak immune systems, babies are more vulnerable to diseases and these can lead to more severe complications and long-term effects as a result. The doctor offered advice for parents worrying about their little ones this festive season: “Limit unnecessary contact between the baby and people carrying any infectious disease, even if it is just a minor cold. Those coming into contact with the baby should wash their hands before touching or carrying them to prevent the spread of disease.”
To bolster their defences against the dreaded winter vomiting bug – norovirus, parents are advised to ensure their children are well-nourished with ample breastfeeding or formula. The expert highlighted crucial symptoms in youngsters to be vigilant about, such as persistent high temperature, chapped lips, or a decrease in the number of wet nappies, cautioning: “In these instances, a doctor should be contacted immediately,” reports the Mirror.
She also pointed out that RSV particularly affects under-fives during cold weather. She added infants are more vulnerable in their first year due to weaker immune systems.
She said: “Babies under the age of one are most at risk of catching RSV due to their weaker immune systems. Symptoms should not last longer than two to three weeks, but contacting a healthcare adviser if your baby shows symptoms is advised. Other methods of prevention include having good hygiene and making sure to regularly wash hands during the winter months.”