Flu can put children in the hospital

The flu, a viral illness that usually progresses mildly in children, manifests itself with symptoms such as sudden onset of fever, runny nose, and sore throat and muscle pain. Pediatrics Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Samet Özer provided important information about the flu in children and its treatment methods.

IT STARTS WITH A COUGH Influenza, a viral infection, is a highly contagious disease that can negatively impact the airways in the lungs. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özer said, "It begins with a cough during seasonal transitions and manifests with symptoms such as high fever, malaise, and joint pain. Flu, which becomes more common with cold weather, often lasts less than a week in children. In children with weakened immune systems, the condition can be more severe and may require hospitalization."

TYPES A AND B ARE SEVERE Assoc . Prof. Dr. Özer stated that types A and B influenza viruses are the cause of widespread illnesses during the fall months, saying, "These two viruses affect more people, and children with chronic illnesses in particular may require hospital treatment. The most important reason why the flu virus is still effective today is that viruses mutate frequently, meaning they change. This means people get sick from a new strain every year."

BEWARE OF FEVER OVER 39 DEGREES! Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özer stated that the flu begins as a respiratory illness in children and drew attention to the following symptoms of the virus:

High fever between 39 and 40 degrees.

Severe body pain. Fatigue with headache and sore throat. Cough that starts with a runny nose and nasal congestion. Nausea, vomiting and increased levels of diarrhea.

HIGH INFECTIOUSNESS IN SCHOOLS AND DAYCARE CENTERS Noting that the flu virus is transmitted to children through respiratory tract infections such as sneezing or coughing, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özer said, "Generally, the virus is highly contagious in closed environments such as schools and daycare centers due to close contact. The virus passed from child to child can also be found on the surfaces of items such as door handles, toys, and pencils. Children can infect their bodies with the flu virus by touching a surface touched by an infected person and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. The risk of infecting others usually occurs on the 5th or 7th day of the illness. The period when contagiousness is at its highest is the first 24 hours before symptoms begin."

CAN CAUSE PNEUMONIA Assoc . Prof. Dr. Özer stated that the flu can cause serious health problems, especially in children under 5 years of age with chronic health problems, and explained the complications of the flu in this age group as follows:

A dangerous situation occurs when the lungs are affected by infection.

The body losing too much fluid and salt due to the disease can worsen the situation. It is dangerous if long-term problems like heart disease or asthma persist. It can cause other problems such as sinus problems and ear infections.

VACCINATION IS THE BEST PROTECTION METHOD Assoc . Prof. Dr. Özer emphasized the importance of vaccinating children to prevent health problems caused by the flu, saying, "Vaccination is important for providing the best protection against the flu in children. The fall months are generally the best time to get vaccinated. Children under the age of 9 who are getting vaccinated for the first time may need two doses of the flu vaccine. In these children, the second dose should be administered at least four weeks after the first dose. Since it takes approximately two weeks for the body to develop antibodies against the flu after the vaccine, it is appropriate to get vaccinated before the flu begins to spread."