‘Worm infections can sorely affect kids’ health’

T'puram: Health minister Veena George, in a statement, emphasized the importance of addressing worm infections as they can adversely affect children's growth and overall health. These infections can lead to malnutrition and anaemia in children.According to WHO statistics, 64% of children aged 1 to 14 in India are at risk of worm infections. In response, the health department is implementing strong interventions. Deworming tablets should be administered twice a year at six-month intervals. Schools and anganwadis distribute Albendazole tablets for deworming. Parents are urged to ensure their children take these tablets.This year, Nov 26 is observed as Deworming Day. On this day, children attending schools will receive tablets there, while those aged 1 to 19 who do not attend school will get them at anganwadis. Children who miss the Nov 26 dose can take it on Dec 3. Children in this age group visiting health centres during this period should also receive the tablets if they have not already.Half a tablet (200mg) is given to children aged 1 to 2 years, and one tablet (400mg) to those aged 2 to 19 years. For young children, the tablet should be dissolved in boiled and cooled water. Older children should chew the tablet after lunch and drink boiled and cooled water. Tablets should not be given to sick children but can be administered once they recover. Usually, there are no complications after taking the tablet, but children with heavy worm infections might rarely experience stomach pain, vomiting, itching, or rashes.Pay attention to worm infectionsWhile worm infections can affect all ages, they are more common in children. Playing in soil and not wearing footwear increase the risk. Worms can deplete essential nutrients from food, leading to malnutrition and affecting growth. Infected individuals may experience lethargy, fatigue, anaemia, stomach pain, dizziness, vomiting, malnutrition, loss of appetite, weight loss, lack of concentration, and diarrhoea.