Precautions For Flu Infection In Children As The Seasons Change

Recommended Precautions in Children for Seasonal Changes and Upper Respiratory Viral Infections

The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other different sources recommend 3 different options (vaccination, prevention and prevention) for influenza upper respiratory tract infections (source links >> Prevention Strategies for Seasonal Influenza in Healthcare ... / Flu & Young Children):

As a first measure, vaccination is recommended for all children. Vaccination is especially important for children who have frequent flu and are in crowded environments (nursery, school and crowded home environment).

As a second measure, early treatment of adults with the onset of influenza infection, airing the room, avoiding close contact in children.

The third measure is sanitation and nutrition for upper respiratory tract infection. It is beneficial to wash the mouth and nose every day in the morning before school, after school and at night, and to wash the nose with saline water. Apart from this, it is recommended to wash hands and change clothes after school. It is beneficial to increase the consumption of citrus fruits, greens and juicy foods containing vitamin C, which increases body resistance in days when there are seasonal changes and dark clouds blocking the sun rays.

Why Is Flu Easily Transmitted in the Nursery Environment and Can Be Contagious for a Long Time?

Influenza virus (Influenza Virus) can also be transmitted through droplets emitted during coughing, sneezing or talking, or by contact with the eyes, mouth or nose. In adult patients, there is contagiousness for influenza virus 1 day before symptoms start and up to 5-7 days after the onset of the disease. Since immune systems may be weaker in young children, contagiousness can last longer than 5-7 days. For this reason, nursery environments are places where contagion can be easily and long-lasting for flu virus.

Flu timing is very unpredictable and can vary from season to season. In January or February, the frequency of flu infections is highest in the US. However, seasonal flu activity starts in early October and can continue until May.

The CDC emphasizes that all individuals older than 6 months should be vaccinated and that the most effective prevention measure against flu is the flu vaccine.

What Are The Daily Measures That Can Be Taken Against The Flu?

The following precautions should be taken for flu:

Avoiding close contact with people with flu infection.

- Keeping the child home and under surveillance when the flu begins. Fever can be followed up in the patient during this period.

- Covering the mouth and nose with disposable handkerchiefs and napkins during sneezing and coughing.

Washing hands with soapy water or cleaning with alcohol-based hand cleaners

- Lack of eye and nose contact with hands used when you sneeze (this way the patient can facilitate the spread of the virus)

- Keeping the flu child in a room that can see the sun and can be comfortably ventilated, cleaning the surface areas in the room with disinfectants.

Similar Precautions Regarding Coronavirus

While the coronavirus pandemic continues all over the world, wearing masks, isolation and cleaning rules are the most important measures. Family members in crowded environments should stay away from children in the home environment and wear masks next to children. On the subject, the World Health Organization has published a new guide containing recommendations for coronavirus, the relevant link >> WHO releases guidelines to help countries maintain essential health services during the COVID-19 pandemic

Murat Enoz, MD, Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgeon - ENT Doctor in Istanbul

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