The Lunar New Year holiday lasts for nine days, leaving many parents concerned about hospital outpatient services being closed and how to deal with a sick child. Dr. Lee Min-Chun, the Pediatric Department Director at Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, points out that the three most common types of illnesses among children during the Lunar New Year are:
- Infectious Diseases (e.g., colds, gastroenteritis)
- Non-Infectious Diseases (e.g., allergies, asthma attacks)
- Injuries (e.g., mosquito bites, falls)
At-Home Care Guidelines
If a child&rsquos symptoms are mild&mdashsuch as a fever below 38°C with normal activity levels, or occasional vomiting or diarrhea with low frequency&mdashparents can care for them at home. Follow these three principles:
★ Ensure Rest: Keep the child well-rested and reduce physical activity.
★ Hydration: Offer 500-1000cc of clear fluids but avoid forcing excessive water intake.
★ Light Diet: For gastrointestinal issues, provide a diet of light, liquid foods to aid recovery.
If a child has a high fever above 39°C and significantly reduced activity levels, it may be necessary to visit the emergency room for a doctor's evaluation. (Photo / Provided by Heho Health)
When to Seek Emergency Care
Immediate medical attention is required if:
★ Fever exceeds 39°C, and the child appears lethargic with significantly reduced activity levels.
★ Gastroenteritis is accompanied by frequent vomiting or diarrhea (5-6 times or more), especially if bile (yellow-green substance) is vomited.
★ Symptoms are unclear, or parents are unable to assess the severity of the illness&mdashwhen in doubt, consult a doctor for safety.
Essential Medications and Precautions
Keep these medications at home:
★ Child-Specific Fever Reducers (e.g., cooling patches, fever syrups, or suppositories).
★ Cold Syrup (for mild symptoms such as coughing or a runny nose).
★ Probiotics (to help alleviate gastrointestinal issues).
★ Asthma or Allergy Medications (for children with a history of related conditions).
Precautions:
★ Avoid self-medicating for infants under 1 year old consult a doctor directly.
★ Seek medical attention if symptoms persist for more than three days without improvement.
★ Follow dosage instructions carefully to avoid overmedication.
★ Discard opened liquid medicines after one week unopened medicines can be used until their expiration date.
During the Lunar New Year, most major medical centers and children&rsquos hospitals have 24-hour emergency services, and some even offer special outpatient clinics. Parents are encouraged to check medical resources in advance to ensure quick access to care when needed, safeguarding their children&rsquos health.
This article is published with permission from Heho Health.
