Changing seasons, increasing cases of influenza A: Doctors advise on preventive measures for young children

SKĐS - The erratic changes in weather are ideal conditions for viruses, especially influenza A virus, to develop and spread strongly.

Doctor Dinh Van Huy (Examination Department - Central Tropical Hospital) said: the cold weather is the time when the number of cases of respiratory diseases, including influenza A, tends to increase significantly, especially in sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases.

According to Dr. Huy, influenza A is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza A virus (common strains such as A/H1N1, A/H3N2). The disease is spread mainly through the respiratory tract (coughing, sneezing) and contact (touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus and then touching eyes, nose, mouth).

For children, influenza A is not simply seasonal flu but can lead to many serious complications if not detected and treated promptly.

Specifically, children can get pneumonia, which is the most common and dangerous complication, which can lead to respiratory failure. In addition, children can get otitis media, sinusitis, and myocarditis. In children with underlying diseases, influenza A can make the underlying disease more serious.

Children with influenza A often have sudden onset symptoms such as high fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, muscle aches and general fatigue.

Doctor Dinh Van Huy. Photo: NVCC.

To effectively prevent influenza A, especially in young children, according to Dr. Huy, proactive preventive measures are needed. This is a key factor to protect personal and community health. In particular, parents need to apply the following measures to protect themselves and their children from influenza A:

- Annual flu vaccination is considered the most effective preventive measure: Influenza A virus frequently changes antigens, so annual seasonal flu vaccination (before the epidemic season) is the best way to create immunity. Children 6 months of age and older, adults, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases are all recommended to be vaccinated.

In addition, people need to pay attention to strengthening resistance by ensuring a scientific diet, full of nutrients (protein, vitamins, minerals, especially Vitamin C, Zinc) to help strengthen the immune system. Let children eat lots of green vegetables and fruits.

- When the weather turns cold, it is necessary to keep the body warm, especially for children, especially the neck, chest, hands and feet.

- Exercise and rest are also very important to improve physical condition and fight against pathogens.

Doctors also advise people to wash their hands with soap and clean water, especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after contact with public surfaces. Clean the nose and throat daily with saline solution.

Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and toys that children often touch. Keep your home well-ventilated and clean. People should limit taking children to crowded places or wear masks when going out, especially during the epidemic season. Avoid close contact with people who have flu symptoms or are suspected of having the disease.

Doctor Huy noted that when children have symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, they should be taken immediately to a medical facility for examination, testing and timely treatment according to the doctor's instructions. Absolutely do not use medication on your own.

Parents need to closely monitor warning signs of worsening in children such as high fever that is difficult to reduce, difficulty breathing, convulsions, lethargy, refusal to breastfeed or eat, and take the child to the hospital immediately.

Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/thoi-tiet-giao-mua-gia-tang-cac-ca-cum-a-bac-si-chi-bien-phap-phong-tranh-cho-tre-nho-169251114145135268.htm