Children and Adolescents Flu Surges Again...High risk of complications such as dehydration and pneumonia
|
Currently, the flu epidemic in Korea is rapidly spreading to infants and adolescents. In particular, the proportion of patients is the highest among those aged 7 to 12 and those aged 1 to 6. In addition to the flu, other respiratory diseases such as RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are also prevalent at the same time, and in winter, 'Virus 2 to 3 threat' is becoming a reality.
Flu is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza A and B viruses, characterized by high fever, chills, muscle aches, and headaches. Infants and toddlers may be accompanied by dehydration, vomiting, loss of appetite, and snatch, and if a high fever persists for more than three days or if breathing difficulties, cyanosis, or convulsions occur, they need immediate treatment.
Children are less immune than adults, so complications such as high fever, dehydration, pneumonia, and otitis media can occur more easily, and their infectiousness tends to explode through group life.
Yang Mu-yeol, a pediatric and adolescent specialist at H Plus Yangji Hospital, explained, `The number of pediatric flu patients is increasing recently, and infants and toddlers are at high risk of complications such as dehydration and pneumonia, so careful management is required from the beginning of symptoms.' He also emphasized that "flu is largely preventable by vaccination and practice of basic hygiene rules, and antiviral treatment within the first 48 hours of symptom onset is the key to accelerating recovery."
In addition to administering antiviral drugs, symptomatic treatments such as fever reducer and pain relievers are performed, and water and hydrated drinks should be consumed frequently to prevent dehydration due to high fever. In order to recover and prevent secondary infection, students should refrain from going to school and going to school for about a day after the fever disappears with sufficient rest.
Usually, the incubation period of the flu is 1 to 4 days, and if symptoms such as sudden high fever (38 to 40°C), respiratory symptoms (cough, runny nose, sore throat), severe fatigue and muscle aches, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea appear, the flu should be suspected. In particular, if a high fever persists for more than three days or if breathing difficulties, persistent vomiting, and seizures are accompanied, you should seek medical attention.
Since children are at high risk of influenza complications, flu vaccination is recommended every year, and it takes about two weeks to form antibodies after inoculation, making pre-epidemic vaccination effective. For prevention, basic hygiene rules such as hand washing and cough etiquette are practiced, and dry environments help spread the virus, so periodic ventilation and maintaining 40-60% humidity are necessary. Wearing a mask is recommended as much as possible when living in groups, and sufficient hydration and a balanced diet are also important.
|
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
