The soaring temperatures can harm you in many ways and spoil your most well laid out plans too. Have e a look at five diseases you should protect your children from, this summer.

1. Mumps
This is one of the most contagious diseases seen at the peak of Indian summer. It causes extreme discomfort to the child and he loses all energy to do anything. The virus is transmitted by sneezing or coughing of an infected person.
Caused by: Mumps virus
Symptoms:
Swelling in the salivary glands.
Fever, headache and muscle aches.
Loss of appetite and tiredness.
Precautions:
The MMR vaccines can create immunity in the child to fight any infection of this disease.

2. Typhoid
It is commonly called the typhoid fever and children are its victim often. It is caused by drinking dirty water and is passed on through the oro-feacal route. Children who eat street food and drink tap water are most susceptible to fall ill.
Caused by: Salmonella typhi.
Symptoms:
Very high fever, fatigue and extreme weakness.
Pain in the abdomen and legs.
Headache and loss of appetite.
In some cases a rash is also seen.
It is important to note that a person might still be a carrier of the disease even after he is treated for it. Such patients are called ‘carriers’ of the disease.
Precaution:
There are two kinds of vaccines available in the market. One that uses dormant bacteria in an injectable form to create immunity in a person. Other a weekend stream of bacteria available in a pill form.

3. Jaundice
Is also called Hepatitis A and is a water borne disease, caused by drinking dirty water or eating contaminated food. This virus is known to cause an infection in the liver.
Caused by: Hepatitis A virus.
Symptoms:
The first indication is yellow coloring of the skin and eyes.
The mucous gets yellow and the stools become light in color.
The child complains of itching.
The child will lose his appetite and complain of dark colored urine. He will be very weak and lack energy for any activity.
Precaution:
A vaccine is available in the market. However avoidance of food cooked in an un healthy manner and bought from dirty surroundings should be avoided. Water should be boiled and filtered before consumption.

4. Measles
An infection of the lining at the back of throat can sometimes lead to a serious condition called Measeles in children. It is transmitted by air and by contact with an infected person.
Caused by: Rubeola or morbilli or paramyxo virus.
Symptoms:
Initial symptoms are fever, runny nose and cough.
Next stage is red eyes and a very sore throat, difficulty in swallowing.
Measles rash that looks like red spots erupts near the hairline and face.
The child will be irritated and might refuse to eat or drink due to pain in the throat.
Precaution:
MMR vaccine is very effective in preventing this disease in children.

5. Chicken Pox
The disease resembles peck marks of a chicken and is actually boils that erupt all over the body. The onset of summer makes this virus very active and it spreads by air.
Caused by: Varicella zoster virus.
Symptoms:
Fever.
Headache.
Sore throat.
Blisters all over the body that burst after two days, once the crust is formed.
The body takes ten days to recover completely, but it is very essential to keep the child in isolation to protect the other members of the family.
Precaution:
There is a vaccine for the disease in the market. Simple instructions like washing of hands and avoiding contact in public can protect children from infection.