Monsoon Precautions in School-Going Children: A Pediatrician’s Guide for Parents

Dr Sampat Kumar Shettigar, Senior consultant-pediatrics and neonatology

Bengaluru, 29 July 2025: As the first drops of rain kiss the earth, the monsoon brings with it a refreshing break from the scorching summer. For school-going children, it also means jumping in puddles, the smell of wet mud, paper boats, and cooler weather. But ask any pediatrician, and you’ll hear a cautious sigh—the rains also open the floodgates for infections, mosquito-borne diseases, and other health hazards that disproportionately affect children.

Being both a pediatrician and a parent, I realize the juggling act between allowing kids to have fun during the season and ensuring their safety. This article is intended to be an all-inclusive monsoon guide to school-going parents.

The Immunity Dip: Why Children Fall Sick During Monsoon

The mixture of wet weather, thunderstorms, and congested school settings is the ideal recipe for falling sick. Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections love this time of the year. Additionally, unstable temperatures and lesser sunlight may weakly impair a child’s immune system. Some typical illnesses prevalent this season are:

Upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, flu, tonsillitis)

Gastrointestinal infections (vomiting, diarrhea)

Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya, malaria)

Fungal infections (athlete’s foot, ringworm)

Dress Smart: Clothing Do’s and Don’ts

Most infections can be prevented by easy alterations in dressing:

Don’t wear wet clothing: Even slightly wet clothing carries fungi. Ensure always that children have an extra set in their school bag, particularly if they travel to school by foot or cycle.

Wear light cotton clothing: They evaporate quickly and give the skin a chance to breathe.

Raincoats and Umbrellas: For younger kids, raincoats with hoods are more convenient than umbrellas, which can be awkward in windy weather.

Correct footwear: Rubber floaters or sandals are preferable to canvas or leather shoes, which retain water and foster fungal growth. Make sure the shoes have a good grip so that one does not slip.

School Bag Monsoon-Proofing

A school bag is not only for textbooks—it is a bacterial breeding ground if not dried.

Have waterproof bags or rain covers available.

Train children to carry notebooks and stationery in ziplock pouches.

Have them dry their bags and contents at home if anything is wet.

Diet Matters More Than You Think

Nutrition is your child’s first line of defense against infection.

Summer fruits such as papaya, banana, apple, and pomegranate are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Refrain from cut fruits available from outside vendors.

Warm, cooked food is always superior to cold, packaged food. Street food, however appealing, is to be avoided completely during this time.

Hydration is essential even if children don’t feel thirsty. Boiled and cooled water or filtered water can be given. Soups, coconut water, or home-made lemonade can be offered too.

Probiotics such as curd or buttermilk support digestive health and lower the chances of diarrhea.

Guard Against Mosquitoes – The Silent Killer

Mosquitos breeds in water that remains still. They spread diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and malaria etc. which are most hazardous for children. Eliminate stagnant water around the house

Use a mosquito repellent spray or cream on exposed areas of the body in the morning before sending the child to school.

Make your child wear long-sleeved clothes and pants whenever he or she can.

Ask the school to carry out periodic fumigation and avoid water logging within and in the vicinity of the school.

Apply mosquito nets or mesh screens in the home.

Do not neglect signs such as recurring fever, body pain, or rash—get advice from a doctor early.

Lessons in Hygiene That Last

Kids are bombarded with germs at school every day. Learning simple hygiene can make a big difference:

Ensure hand washing with soap before meals and after visiting the washroom.

Pack hand sanitizers containing alcohol for occasions when water is not accessible.

Tell your child not to share towels, handkerchiefs, drinking water bottles, or lunch boxes this season.

When to Miss School

Parents shy away from keeping kids at home out of fear of attendance problems or lost lessons. But in monsoon, it is necessary to make an exception.

If your child shows signs of fever, vomiting or cough, it is better for them (and their fellow students) to stay at home.

Consult a physician early—most viral fevers can become serious if ignored.

Schools must ideally have a policy where children suffering from contagious diseases get some leeway.

Monsoon Skin and Hair Care

Kids tend to return drenched, perspiring or both. Washing after wetting oneself during rain is a must to remove impurities and possible allergens.

Dry the interdigital spaces well to avoid fungal infections.

Use a mild antifungal powder in areas where sweat tends to collect.

Hair must be washed frequently and dried well to prevent lice and fungal scalp infections.

Preventive Care and Vaccinations

Keep your child up-to-date on vaccinations. These include:

Typhoid vaccine (every 3 years)

Influenza vaccine, particularly before the rainy season

Hepatitis A and chickenpox vaccines if not already administered

These are not a part of the government’s routine immunization but are suggested by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics and can be of great help during monsoon.

Mental Health Check-In

The gray weather, limited outdoor play, and constant illness can get to a child’s spirits as well.

Make sure your child is occupied indoors through reading, games, or creative pursuits.

Spend quality time together—board games, storytelling, or even cooking simple recipes can lift their mood.

Be aware of the first signs of irritability, laziness, or sleeping troubles, and take action.

The monsoon isn’t an enemy. It’s a gorgeous, needed season. Our job as parents is to prepare our children with the tools to enjoy it in safety. A bit of preparation, sensible decisions, and prompt medical guidance can mean that rains are recalled for all the right reasons. So, let them sail paper boats, sniff wet soil, and jump in puddles—only ensure they are doing it intelligently! Let Them Enjoy, But Prepare