Precautions to Take Protecting Children from Infections

Upper respiratory tract infections, which we have seen in children around us in recent days, ring alarm bells in schools and worry families. Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Manolya KARA pointed out that children are of particular importance in terms of spreading diseases to their environment. Explaining that these diseases, which manifest themselves with nasal congestion, cough and sore throat as well as high fever, combined with other viruses that spread rapidly, the number of sick days gradually increases and children cannot recover, our expert explained the precautions to be taken while combating the most common upper respiratory tract infections in children.  

Stating that respiratory tract infections due to various viruses, especially RSV and influenza, are more common in these days, our expert said, “RSV is a serious respiratory tract infection, especially for children under 6 months, while influenza in older and school-age children can cause respiratory distress by causing fever, muscle pain, joint pain, nasal congestion, and even pneumonia.” 

Stating that upper respiratory tract infections are among the most common diseases among children, Yeditepe University Hospitals Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist said that these diseases, which manifest themselves with symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough and mild fever, are usually viral infections. She explained that viruses such as rhinovirus, seasonal influenza and parainfluenza are more common in winter months. 

Why is my child always sick?

“Another problem for children is that they can get infected with another virus before they overcome the disease caused by one virus,” said our expert, pointing out that schools are a very suitable environment for this and continued her words as follows: “There are several reasons why school-age children get sick frequently. In nursery or school environments, children whose immune systems are not yet fully developed may encounter a new virus immediately after recovering from an infection. This can lead to children getting infections 6-8 times a year. Fortunately, as our child grows older, their immune system recognizes these viruses more easily and the frequency and duration of illness is reduced.”

Which Virus Shows Which Symptoms?

Explaining that some findings may become more dominant from time to time during respiratory infections due to these viruses, our expert summarized which viruses show which symptoms as follows: “For example, while findings such as nasal congestion, runny nose, nasal discharge are more prominent in rhinovirus infections, the croup picture characterized by hoarseness and barking cough attacks is more frequently observed during parainfluenza virus infections. Similarly, during adenovirus infections, children may have sore throat, pharyngitis accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. Children may develop eye infection (conjunctivitis). However, although clinical findings vary depending on the variants of the COVID virus, the most common clinical picture we currently encounter is in the form of flu symptoms that are not very distinguishable from other viruses, manifested by sore throat, hoarseness, nasal congestion and muscle pain.”

The Aim of Treatment for Children is to Reduce Symptoms

Explaining that there is no specific treatment for virus-borne infections for children, especially for influenza, and that the aim of the treatment of such infections is to alleviate the symptoms and accelerate the recovery of children, our specialist gave the following information about the treatment: “There is no specific treatment for viruses other than influenza in childhood. 
Our treatment approach is aimed at the relief of children's complaints and clinical improvement. Ensuring fluid intake of children with increased fluid loss due to fever, use of painkillers and antipyretics at appropriate doses for fever and pain, elimination of nasal congestion and rest are the main elements of treatment.”

What should be done to support children's immune system?

Underlining that a strong immune system has a very important place in both preventing diseases and overcoming diseases in a short time, our expert listed the recommendations to strengthen the immune system of children; “The main elements in supporting the immune system in children can be considered as balanced nutrition, adequate and quality sleep, complete vaccination and regular physical activity. Starting the day with a healthy breakfast has been associated with improved cognitive function. Young people aged 6-17 years should participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Research shows that physical activity can help cognitive skills, concentration, attention and support the immune system. It is important that children are examined by a pediatrician during the preschool period and during the process, evaluating growth and development, providing supportive treatment in necessary cases and checking the compliance of children with the vaccination schedule.”

Precautions to Protect Children from Infections in Schools

Pointing out that infections can spread much faster, especially in schools, our expert listed the measures to be taken as follows: “In order to protect children's health in the school environment, first of all, teachers should review the layout of the children and the ventilation of the classroom. Hand hygiene is very important in preventing infections. For this reason, children should be made to wash their hands frequently. Washing hands for at least 40 seconds before and after using the toilet reduces the risk of infection. Necessary guidance and reminders should be given for this. Children should be extra careful in areas where collective activities such as lunch and playtimes take place. Parents should also not send their children to school when they say they feel sick or ill. If you have not been vaccinated against influenza, you should get vaccinated even though it is the middle of the season.”