Common Illness Prevention and Home Care Guide for Children Aged 0–6

Colds and Fever

Prevention Measures

• Wash hands frequently and maintain hand hygiene
• Keep indoor ventilation and avoid crowded places
• Ensure adequate sleep to boost immunity
• Get the flu vaccine on schedule

Home Care

• Physical cooling below 38.5°C: reduce clothing, sponge with warm water
• Above 38.5°C, fever reducers may be taken (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
• Drink more water to prevent dehydration
• Seek medical care promptly if: persistent high fever over 3 days, listlessness, rapid breathing

Diarrhea

Prevention Measures

• Pay attention to food hygiene and disinfect utensils
• Get the rotavirus vaccine on schedule
• Use fresh complementary food ingredients, prepare and serve immediately

Home Care

• Continue feeding, do not stop milk
• Use oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration
• Observe stool characteristics and record frequency
• Seek medical care promptly if: bloody stool, frequent vomiting, markedly reduced urine output

Eczema

• Moisturizing is key: apply emollient 2–3 times daily
• Bath water should not be too hot, around 37°C
• Choose pure cotton clothing, avoid irritating fabrics like wool
• Use steroid cream under a doctor’s guidance when severe

Vaccination Schedule

National immunization program vaccines must be given on schedule, including BCG, hepatitis B, polio, DTP, and MMR vaccines. Recommended self-paid vaccines: flu vaccine, rotavirus vaccine, varicella vaccine, and 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine.