SEASONAL HEALTH TIPS FOR CHILDREN

As cooler mornings replace the heat of late summer, Oman’s schools once again echo with the cheerful sounds of returning students. Yet, amid the excitement of a new academic year, many parents face a familiar concern — the seasonal wave of respiratory illnesses that spreads quickly through classrooms.
Health experts warn that sudden temperature changes and close contact among students create ideal conditions for the spread of colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. For young children, whose immune systems are still developing, the risks are even higher.
“Children spend hours indoors in air-conditioned spaces, often sharing supplies and food,” explains Dr Mohammed al Balushi, paediatric specialist. “Simple habits like not washing hands or covering a cough can easily lead to infection. When weather fluctuates between hot afternoons and cool evenings, we see a rise in respiratory cases.”
Teachers and school health coordinators across Oman have already noticed a spike in mild illnesses as students adjust to the new term. The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, continues to emphasise hygiene routines and clear policies to keep unwell students at home.
According to Wafa al Mukhaini, a school health supervisor, prevention begins inside the classroom.
“We monitor students’ health every morning and encourage parents not to send their children to school if they have flu symptoms. Proper handwashing, good ventilation, and personal hygiene are key to keeping classrooms safe,” she says.
Many schools have introduced awareness sessions and posters promoting hygiene habits — small efforts that can make a big difference in reducing infection rates.
Doctors stress that families play the most critical role in prevention. “Strong immunity starts at home,” adds Dr Al Balushi. “A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, enough sleep and weather-appropriate clothing help children resist infections.”
Parents are also advised to maintain good ventilation at home, avoid crowded places during peak illness seasons, and teach children to use tissues when sneezing or coughing.
The annual flu vaccine remains one of the most effective shields against seasonal illness.
Fatima al Araimi, a nurse at a local health centre, notes: “Vaccination doesn’t guarantee full protection, but it significantly reduces the severity and complications of flu cases.”
She adds that awareness campaigns have improved vaccination rates, but hesitation persists due to misinformation — a challenge health professionals continue to address.
One of the most common mistakes parents make, experts say, is sending sick children to school too soon. Health professionals emphasise that keeping a child home when they show symptoms like fever, cough or sore throat protects not only classmates but also teachers and families.
Protecting children’s health is not solely the responsibility of schools or parents — it’s a community effort. Through national initiatives such as Healthy Schools and the National Immunisation Campaign, Oman continues to strengthen its preventive health framework.
Awareness, cooperation, and consistency are the key ingredients to success. As Oman embraces a season of change, ensuring the well-being of its youngest citizens remains a shared mission — one rooted in knowledge, care, and daily vigilance.
We cannot control the weather or stop viruses from existing — but we can control our habits. By teaching children good hygiene, encouraging healthy lifestyles and keeping them home when they’re ill, we build the strongest shield of all: awareness.
Because a healthy child is not just ready to learn — they’re ready to thrive.