Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough pose a threat to a child's life. They lead to serious consequences leading to disability. Immunization against diseases is mandatory.
Walking after DTP vaccination is not recommended. You need to figure out why the ban is justified and when walks with the baby can be resumed.
Reasons for prohibiting walking after immunization
After vaccination, people are warned not to walk for several days. Often mothers neglect this and go for a walk. Parents believe that the child is better off in the fresh air than in a stuffy room. They are partly right, because even in an apartment there are dangerous bacteria.
It’s still not worth going for a walk with your child. Immunization leads to weakened immunity. Strength is spent on fighting viruses. Diseases develop through contact with the carrier of the infection or his things. You should avoid visiting crowded places.
Pathogenic microorganisms live in various places:
- on children's playgrounds;
- in shops;
- in the entrances;
- in public transport;
- in the courtyards of houses;
- in the air.
If a person is healthy, then they are not dangerous. When the immune system is weakened, viruses and bacteria pose a serious threat.
If the baby does not have a fever, he is active and eats with appetite, it is still not worth walking outside. The body fights viruses for five days. The reaction to the vaccine may not appear immediately. Going outside makes the situation worse.
Is it possible to walk after DPT?
DTP vaccination is considered one of the most difficult to tolerate. The “culprit” for this is, to a greater extent, the pertussis component, which is more reactogenic compared to antigens of other diseases. Frequent, pronounced side effects make it necessary to take part in even usual activities with caution in order to minimize the consequences of the procedure for the patient.
Immediately after the procedure, traditional doctors strictly prohibit walking for 3 days. Various concerns and arguments have been raised in favor of this restriction.
More advanced specialists today are beginning to express a different, opposite opinion on this issue. Arguments and evidence are put forward in favor of the fact that you can walk with children after DTP vaccination. The famous doctor Komarovsky strongly recommends going outside immediately after the procedure and in any weather.
Which statements are more truthful, and does a short walk risk complications after such a complex vaccination? We need to understand the rules of behavior after vaccination in more detail.
The purpose of vaccination is to protect against viruses and bacteria by forcing the child’s body to produce antibodies that will protect him from diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus. There is also a vaccine only against tetanus and diphtheria. It is indicated for premature babies and children with low birth weight. Moreover, the entire subsequent course of vaccination should be continued with the use of such a “lightweight” drug. It is also intended for those who have already been infected with whooping cough, or for other medical reasons.
Although the vaccine is the only safe way to prevent serious childhood illnesses, it must be remembered that sometimes it causes side effects: diarrhea, vomiting, fever. Before administering the drug, it is better to tell the doctor whether the child has an intolerance to any of its components or other contraindications to the procedure.
If an adverse reaction, for example, hypersensitivity to an ingredient, was observed during the administration of the first dose of the vaccine, then it is better not to use this drug again.
Hypersensitivity to vaccine components may manifest itself in the following forms:
- rash, itching;
- swelling of the face;
- swelling at the injection site;
- difficulty breathing and swallowing;
- drop in blood pressure;
- loss of consciousness.
The connection between the DPT vaccine and walking
There are a number of reasons for prohibiting walking on the street during the post-vaccination period:
- The immune system synthesizes antibodies. It cannot cope with other bacteria and viruses. The risk of infection increases . An associated viral infection is the cause of deterioration of the condition. Complications appear.
- The child is dressed warmly in an attempt to prevent freezing. The result is increased sweating. The injection site becomes inflamed, redness and swelling are noted.
- Excessive wrapping provokes an increase in body temperature. Side effects of the vaccine include hyperthermia and convulsions.
Reasons why you should not go for a walk after DTP vaccination
Many doctors recommend not swimming or walking. This is a simple warning and not a mandatory requirement.
Answering the question: “Is it possible or not to walk outside after a DTP vaccination?”, pediatricians give many reasons for walking or against it. Doctors voice the following reasons why you should not walk with your child:
- vaccination weakens the immune system, the body may not cope with the introduced antigens;
- excessive wrapping can lead to overheating and, as a result, swelling at the injection site;
- in inclement weather, a child weakened by vaccination may catch a virus or catch a cold;
- You can get unpredictable reactions from the body in the form of side effects and complications.
Progressive doctors, such as Komarovsky, put forward their own, no less compelling, arguments for an active pastime. A walk in the fresh air always strengthens the child’s immunity, giving the body fresh strength to fight infections.
Is it possible to go for a walk the next day?
On the day of vaccination, you should avoid walking. You need to stay at home and constantly monitor the baby’s condition. The temperature may rise, weakness and loss of appetite may appear.
You need to ensure that the temperature in the room is within 22 degrees Celsius. Humidity – not lower than 50%.
A walk the next day is not prohibited if the baby slept well and the temperature did not rise. Active games should be avoided outdoors.
You should not visit places where the child comes into contact with other children.
How long after you can walk after DTP vaccination and polio
When asking doctors about when they can go for a walk, or whether it is possible after DTP and taking the polio vaccine (according to the schedule, these vaccinations are given simultaneously) to immediately go out into the fresh air, parents forget that they will still have to go home from the hospital where the procedure was carried out. street. Therefore, the question of whether it is allowed to go for a walk on the day of DTP vaccination is simply inappropriate. On the way home, you must follow a few simple rules:
- it is better to go home on a deserted road, protecting the baby from contact with strangers;
- You can carry a child on foot or in a stroller only in favorable weather; in bad weather it is better to take a taxi;
- There is no need to bundle up, but it is better to dress your son or daughter according to the weather.
But in order to walk with your child longer after vaccination, it is better to wait.
Is it possible to go for a walk before immunization?
Walking before vaccination is not prohibited. Quiet games outside will benefit your child.
On the day of vaccine administration, contact with children should be avoided. You should avoid visiting crowded places where there is a risk of contracting an infection.
The child must be absolutely healthy during immunization. If the infection has just entered the body, it will not be possible to detect it. The risk of complications increases.
What consequences and complications can walking lead to?
The consequences of going outside are serious. The most undesirable thing is the addition of a secondary infection. Walking causes the following symptoms to occur:
- hyperthermia;
- redness and the appearance of compaction;
- swelling;
abscess;- itching;
- loss of sensation in the limb;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- weaknesses;
- pain syndrome;
- irritability;
- drowsiness;
- apathy;
- allergies;
- diarrhea;
- anaphylactic shock;
- gagging;
- nausea;
- joint pain;
- conjunctivitis;
- development of acute respiratory diseases;
- lameness;
- Quincke's edema;
- headache;
- insomnia;
- rashes;
- breathing problems;
- sore throat;
- runny nose;
- cough;
- seizures;
- lymphadenitis;
- loss of appetite;
- continuous crying.
These symptoms are the body's reaction to the vaccine. Walking increases the risk of their occurrence. Under the influence of external factors, the condition worsens. Side effects are more pronounced.
How long can you go for a walk and when can you go
After the injection, it is recommended to avoid walking for 2-3 days. This is especially true for those who have experienced side effects due to vaccination. After DTP, redness and swelling at the injection site, increased temperature, loss of appetite, tearfulness, sleep disturbance, and sometimes even diarrhea and vomiting are possible.
You cannot play or have contact with other children if the child has a temperature above 37.2°C.
You should also not walk outside if you have an allergic reaction. In these cases, refrain from street walks until all symptoms of side effects have been eliminated. It is prohibited to go outside after DTP and for children with chronic diseases. You will have to stay at home for 3 days. After their expiration, if the child is feeling well, he is allowed to leave. What do you think are the most important factors when choosing a medical facility?
Walking with your child after DTP vaccination can be done the next day after the vaccine injection. Here it is necessary to keep in mind important conditions - a walk only in favorable weather, activity and excellent health of the child. You can walk with your child when the air temperature is no higher than 20°C and only if there is no rainy weather.
The recommendation to reduce your time in public places for a couple of days remains in effect. It is advisable these days not to visit playgrounds, shops, postpone meetings with friends, it is better to take a walk in a park or square.
On the same day that the child is vaccinated, you should stay at home and monitor the condition of the vaccinated person.
It would be optimal to go outside after a few days. Then the child’s body will recover and be able to overcome the bacteria and viruses it encounters.
If a child’s temperature rises on the day of DPT vaccination, but the next morning it returns to normal, it is still better to refrain from going outside for another 2 days. Then, if you feel normal and there are no complications, you can safely go for a walk.
Additional recommendations during the post-vaccination period
After immunization, you need to follow a number of recommendations.
The baby will tolerate the procedure more easily if:
- Do not leave the clinic for half an hour after receiving the vaccine. The risk of allergies occurring in the first thirty minutes is highest.
- Provide plenty of fluids (tea, fruit drinks, compotes, juice and water).
- Avoid overeating. You can't overload your stomach. Gastrointestinal tract disorders are possible.
- Take antihistamines. They help avoid a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock, Quincke's edema, convulsive syndrome).
- If the thermometer changes, the child should be given antipyretic medications. If the temperature is normal, they are not used.
- Monitor the baby's condition. Hyperthermia is a reason to contact a medical facility. There is a risk of seizures.
- Do not introduce new products. Breastfeed the baby.
- Eliminate foods that provoke the development of allergies.
- Do not allow sweat to accumulate at the injection site.
- If a seal appears, do not use alcohol-based solutions or antiseptics. A small bump, up to 80 millimeters in diameter, will go away on its own. A large lump should be shown to a doctor. Self-medication is unacceptable and provokes the appearance of an abscess. The pediatrician selects the treatment tactics.
- Do not apply warm compresses to the injection site.
- Do not give antivirals or aspirin.
- Don't bathe your baby. There are bacteria in the water that can penetrate an open wound. There is a risk of hypothermia and the development of colds.
- Ventilate the room. Maintain temperature and humidity levels within normal limits.
- Keep the room clean.
- Do not allow moisture to enter the injection site.
- Avoid hypothermia and overheating.
- Dress the baby in clothing that does not restrict movement.
- Avoid drafts.
- Do not scratch the injection site or apply mechanical force.
- Avoid massage for a couple of days.
- If the condition rapidly worsens, seek help from a pediatrician.
How to alleviate a child’s condition 2–3 days after vaccination
In order for the child to feel good and be able to walk after DTP, it is necessary to continue the preventive measures prescribed by doctors:
- Continue taking antihistamines as prescribed.
- If there is no fever, then there is no need to give antipyretics for 2–3 days. If the mercury increases, continue to give your baby the prescribed medications for 2-3 days.
- Monitor the child's condition. If the thermometer shows above 38.5, do rubdowns, otherwise cramps may appear.
- It is not recommended to introduce new components into food. Breastfeeding continues; sweet, spicy, and allergenic foods are excluded from the mother’s diet. New products can be introduced 4 days after DTP vaccination.
- If swelling or redness appears at the injection site, apply a wet cloth. Do not rub the area with alcohol solutions or lubricate it with iodine.
