It is difficult to find a child who has never had a cold. Some children in this state want to stay in bed longer, are capricious and do not show any activity. Others may demand walks, saying that it becomes easier for them in the fresh air. But is it possible to walk with a child during a cold? Will it harm the child's body?
Situations when it is forbidden to go for a walk with a child during a cold
Trying to understand whether it is possible to walk on the street with a child with a cold (ARVI / ARI), you need to pay attention to two points:
- climatic conditions;
- the condition of the baby.
It is not recommended to take walks in the fresh air in case of a cold, if it is very windy outside, there is any precipitation (rain, snow, drizzle). In extreme heat - above +25 degrees - and in frost - the air temperature is below -8, it is better not to leave the house with the baby. Such climatic conditions can harm a sick child's body. During a cold, heat and sun are very difficult for even adults. Frost can provoke severe hypothermia, which is unacceptable during a cold.
When ARVI / ARI is at the initial stage and is accompanied by numerous symptoms, among which there is an increased body temperature in a child, then it is worth refraining from a walk, even a very short one. A state of general malaise, lethargy, drowsiness, loss of strength, headache - with such manifestations, it is better to hold the child at home, provide him with warmth and peace. However, even if the baby has a temperature, one must not forget to ventilate the premises in the apartment, but make sure that the child is not in a draft. The flow of fresh air will speed up the recovery, get rid of the germs accumulated in the room. In addition, it is easier to breathe in a ventilated room, the stuffiness can aggravate the state of health, cause even greater weakness and acute headache.
You should not walk outside with your child during a cold if the baby complains of any discomfort in the abdomen. Pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting - these symptoms become direct prohibitions for going outside. Another prohibition is an overly strong, "barking" cough.
You need to be careful when going for a walk if the child is forced to take any potent drugs against ARVI / ARI. They can cause various side effects.
Benefits of walking in the fresh air for colds
When the acute stage of the disease is passed, the baby feels more or less normal, and the climatic conditions look stable, you can try to go out for a walk.
Fresh air speeds up the healing process from colds. During a leisurely walk, the child's body is saturated with oxygen, while sputum liquefies, which leads to easier coughing, relieves nasal congestion with a cold. Additionally, in the air, the headache may stop and, in general, the general well-being of the sick child can improve. If a child with a cold outside has an aggravated cough or a runny nose, this is not a reason for panic. However, in cases where a child who has not fully recovered becomes very lethargic, complains of fatigue and malaise, you need to quickly go home.
Important recommendations
- If the child has sat out for a certain amount of time at home, you should not go for a walk immediately. Better to start by going out to the balcony. So the child will be able to safely breathe fresh air, and parents will be able to monitor the well-being of their child in a calm atmosphere.
- The duration of walks during a cold should not exceed half an hour. At the same time, it is necessary to give up active games, visiting any entertainment places and events. It is recommended to walk leisurely with your child in the park or sit on a bench.
- With a cold, you can walk with your child up to 4-5 times a day, if strength and climatic conditions allow.
- Going out into the street, you must leave the windows in the apartment open so that the premises are properly ventilated.
- You should not insulate the baby very much when going outside. Overheating is just as dangerous with ARVI / ARI, as is hypothermia. Children who are too warm can sweat quickly, leading to recurring cold symptoms. Therefore, it is necessary to dress for a walk based on weather conditions, without fanaticism.
- When outside, check the temperature of the child's nose, forehead and hands from time to time. The forehead should not be too hot. Keep your hands and nose warm at all times. If anything changes, it’s better to go home. The reason for returning to the apartment is the child's increased sweating.
- Walking with a child with a cold is better not far from home. However, it is recommended to avoid public transport and crowded places. It is also important to protect a sick child from contact with peers, so as not to spread the infection among children.
- If you have any doubts about your well-being and the healing process, you should seek the advice of a pediatrician.
- Before going out into the street, it is not recommended to give the baby any medication, you should not carry out any serious medical procedures. However, it is necessary that the child blows his nose well and clears his throat.
- Returning home from a walk, you must definitely wash your face, wash your hands, clear your nose, and rinse your throat.
