THE current cold snap is dangerous for children, their mothers should ensure they stay in the warmth. However, specialists warn that heaters in the home may harm infants' health, giving them coughs, sore throats, rhinitis, runny noses, colds and high temperatures. Physicians also warn mothers against giving their children medicines for colds without consulting them first. However, Dr Shahenaz el- Maraghi, a professor of paediatrics, Qasr el-Aini School of Medicine, says that in certain circumstances babies should be given such drugs, in order to fight infections. “These antibiotics should be prescribed by a specialised physician, so, if the child has a cough, it doesn't develop into pneumonia,” she says. Dr el-Maraghi urges mothers to avoid giving newborns drugs for colds, because their immunity is weak. Herbal remedies and breastfeeding can strength their immune system. If the mother has a cold, she should wear a mask, so the infection isn't transmitted to her child. Dr el-Maraghi advises mothers to avoid taking their newborn children on public transport, as well as keeping them away from sick people and washing their hands with soap and warm water before feeding. “In order to improve your child's immunity, one of the best methods is to exclusively feed him breast milk. Then, after six months, introduce balanced weaning foods, including cereals, milk, eggs, fruit and vegetables, to boost the immune function.
