GĐXH - When children have the flu, parents need to follow the doctor's instructions for caring for them. In particular, all medications used for children must be prescribed by a doctor; parents should not buy and use medication for their children without a doctor's prescription.
Recently, the case of three sisters in a family in Hanoi contracting influenza A , with two of them developing pneumonia complications, has caused widespread concern. In reality, these are just a few cases of influenza A in the context of the disease's recent increase.
According to Dr. Dang Thi Thuy, Head of the Pediatrics Department at the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases: Influenza A is an acute respiratory infection that commonly occurs during the winter and spring seasons and during transitional periods between seasons (also known as seasonal flu).
Influenza A can be caused by strains such as H1N1, H2N3, H7N9, etc. The disease spreads through the respiratory tract via tiny droplets of water containing the virus that are released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through contact with objects and surfaces contaminated with the virus, which are then transferred to the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Doctors examine a child with influenza at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases. Photo: Provided by the hospital.
The initial symptoms of influenza A infection, or seasonal flu in general, and other respiratory viral infections are similar. Children often have fever, respiratory inflammation (such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose), sore throat, etc. Therefore, when children exhibit these signs, parents often find it difficult to distinguish whether their child has influenza A or not.
In addition to the initial symptoms mentioned above, according to Dr. Thuy, it should be noted that children infected with influenza A often have a high fever of 39-40 degrees Celsius, congested skin and eyes, a congested and entirely red throat, fatigue, poor appetite, fussiness, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and bronchiolitis…
When children exhibit symptoms such as high fever and respiratory tract inflammation, parents should take them to the nearest medical facility for examination and diagnosis. Doctors will then advise on appropriate care and treatment based on each child's condition.
Notes on caring for children with influenza A at home.
According to Dr. Dang Thi Thuy, most children diagnosed with seasonal influenza are prescribed outpatient treatment. Cases with respiratory tract complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or bronchiolitis will be admitted to the hospital for treatment.
Influenza usually has a benign course, but it can also have serious and dangerous complications, which are more common in people with chronic cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.
Regarding the care of children with influenza, according to Dr. Thuy, there is currently a diagnostic and treatment protocol for seasonal influenza issued by the Ministry of Health . There are specific medications available for treatment, prescribed for specific cases, and the protocol also provides guidance on symptomatic treatment and complications in seasonal influenza.
" When children are sick, parents need to follow the doctor's instructions, give them plenty of fluids, easily digestible foods, fever reducers, symptomatic treatments (cough medicine, cold medicine to relieve nasal congestion), and vitamins (especially vitamin C) to boost immunity ," said Dr. Thuy.
In particular, this expert noted that the medications used must be prescribed by a doctor; parents should not buy and use medication for their children without a doctor's prescription.
Effective measures to prevent influenza
Ways to prevent seasonal influenza. Source: National Children's Hospital.
According to experts, influenza A is a highly contagious disease that can affect anyone, especially young children, the elderly, and pregnant women. The most effective preventive measure is proactive influenza vaccination. The appropriate time to get vaccinated is about three months before the transition from winter to spring (July-September each year) to allow the body time to produce the necessary antibodies to fight the virus.
Influenza viruses are constantly changing, and antibodies gradually decrease after a year, so annual booster shots are recommended.
In addition, it is important to improve children's physical health: Ensure they eat a balanced diet, supplement with vitamins and minerals, and take age-appropriate multivitamins…
Maintain good personal hygiene by washing hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap or disinfectant solution before eating, upon returning home from outside, and after using the toilet. Limit touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands. Regularly clean children's living and play spaces, especially the classroom environment, toys, and items children come into contact with daily.
On the other hand, influenza is a respiratory disease, so avoid taking children to crowded places, especially to avoid contact with people who have the flu. Wearing a mask when going outside is also important to limit the spread of the disease.
Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/cham-care-tre-mac-cum-a-tai-nha-can-lam-gi-de-benh-nhanh-khoi-tranh-gap-bien-chung-17225020813543871.htm
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