Watch out for 4 health problems caused by flu in children

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Samet Özer provided information about the flu and treatment methods in children.

Flu, which is common among children during the fall months, can lead to significant health problems if not treated properly. Generally a mild viral illness in children, the flu manifests itself with symptoms such as sudden onset of fever, runny nose, sore throat, and muscle aches. However, the illness can be more severe in children with weakened immune systems. Therefore, flu vaccination is recommended to prevent complications that may arise from the disease. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Samet Özer of Memorial Kayseri Hospital's Department of Pediatrics provided information about the flu in children and treatment methods.

"HIGH CONTAGIOUSNESS LEVEL"

Özer said, "Influenza, a viral infection, is a highly contagious disease that can negatively impact the airways in the lungs. It begins with a cough during seasonal transitions and manifests with symptoms such as high fever, malaise, and joint pain. Flu, which becomes more prevalent with cold weather, often lasts less than a week in children. However, in children with weakened immune systems, the condition can be more severe and require hospitalization. Influenza can lead to lung infection, or pneumonia, in these children."

"TYPES A AND B ARE SEVERE"

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özer said, "Types A and B influenza viruses are the cause of common illnesses during the fall months. These two viruses affect more people, and children with chronic illnesses in particular may require hospital treatment. The most important reason why the influenza virus is still effective today is that viruses mutate frequently, meaning they change. This means people get sick from a new strain every year."

"CLOSE CONTACT IS THE CAUSE OF INFECTION"

Özer, noting that close contact is the primary cause of transmission, said, "Children transmit the flu virus through the respiratory tract through sneezing or coughing. The virus is generally highly contagious in closed environments like schools and daycare centers due to close contact. The virus, spread from child to child, can also be found on the surfaces of items like door handles, toys, and pencils. Children can contract the flu virus by touching a surface touched by an infected person and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. The risk of infecting others usually occurs on the fifth or seventh day of illness. The period of highest contagion is the first 24 hours before symptoms appear."

"IT STARTS LIKE A RESPIRATORY DISEASE"

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Samet Özer noted that the flu begins as a respiratory illness, saying, "In children, the flu begins as a respiratory illness. Over time, the virus affects the entire body, manifesting with symptoms such as high fever between 39 and 40 degrees Celsius, severe body aches, headache and sore throat, fatigue, a cough with a runny and stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting, and increased diarrhea." The flu can cause serious health problems, especially in children under 5 and those with chronic health conditions. Because these children are at high risk, seasonal flu vaccination is important to help prevent the flu, protect them from the illness, and reduce life-threatening risks. Flu-related complications can occur in children in this age group. Pneumonia: A dangerous condition occurs when the lungs are affected by the infection. Dehydration: The body loses too much fluid and salt due to the illness, which can worsen the condition. The continuation of long-term conditions like heart disease or asthma is dangerous. It can lead to the onset of other problems, such as sinus problems and ear infections."

"THE BEST PROTECTION METHOD IS VACCINATION"

Özer emphasized the importance of flu vaccination, saying, "Children may need to be vaccinated to prevent health problems caused by the flu. Vaccination is important for children to provide the best protection against the flu. Fall is generally the best time to get vaccinated. Children under 9 years old who are getting vaccinated for the first time may need two doses of the flu vaccine. For these children, the second dose should be administered at least four weeks after the first dose. Because it takes approximately two weeks after the vaccine for the body to develop antibodies against the flu, it's best to get vaccinated before the flu begins to spread."