The change of seasons affects them the most!

Claiming that viruses and bacteria spread by airborne droplets in schools, kindergartens and shopping centers play a leading role in the incidence of children, the specialist in pediatrics at Medicana Bursa Hospital, Dr. Sumeye Ertek said: “Droplets released into the environment through coughs and sneezes can be transmitted directly from one person to another or cause infection in children who come into contact with them. The most common health problem is an upper respiratory tract infection. More than 200 viruses that cause inflammation in the nose and throat cause upper respiratory tract infections. While most children have upper respiratory tract infections 5-8 times a year, this number can increase in children who attend school. With age, the number of infections per year decreases.

Stating that a healthy child can catch 7-8 colds during the winter, Ertekir said: “This illness, caused by more than 100 viruses, causes sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, mild fever, headache, and pain 3-4 days after infections in older children. While the disease progresses with symptoms such as fatigue, it presents with more severe symptoms such as fever, feeding difficulties, loss of appetite, restlessness, and difficulty breathing in infants. Although the cough usually goes away after 1 week, sometimes the cough can last up to 2 weeks. Antibiotics have no place in routine treatment; rest of the child, plenty of fluids, good temperature adaptation and healthy nutrition are enough for recovery.

Noting that the flu is the most common winter illness among children, Ertekir said: “It is transmitted by airborne droplets. Although it is usually seen as a mild upper respiratory tract infection with fever, it can sometimes develop into a serious illness requiring hospitalization. The most common symptoms are high and persistent fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle and joint pain, abdominal pain, chills, red eyes, cough, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea. Antibiotics are useless in treatment unless there is a bacterial infection. According to the child’s complaints, symptomatic antipyretics, plenty of fluids and, if necessary, cough syrups and antiviral drugs can be used.

Stating that acute bronchiolitis is a viral infection that most commonly affects children under 2 years of age and especially children under 1 year of age, Ertekir said: “It is defined as wheezing and respiratory distress that develops after upper respiratory symptoms. It is more common in children under the age of 1 who live in crowded areas and who smoke. While it initially progresses with a runny nose and mild fever, as the disease progresses, respiratory distress, rapid breathing, nagging chest pain, and wheezing down into the lungs may develop. It is absolutely essential to see a doctor for these symptoms, because if left untreated, serious problems can develop, such as severe respiratory failure, respiratory arrest (apnea), fluid loss (dehydration), and heart failure.

Stating that pneumonia is an infection caused by bacteria and viruses in the lungs, Ertekir said: “It gives symptoms of high fever, cough, loss of appetite, weakness, rapid and difficult breathing, and sometimes pain in the chest and abdomen. Pneumonia, which can be completely cured with early diagnosis and treatment, causes high mortality rates in the world and in our country, especially in children aged 1-4 years, with untimely treatment. For this reason, it is absolutely essential to see a doctor for upper respiratory infections that continue after 3 days, such as fever, respiratory distress, wheezing, tachypnea (rapid breathing), pain in the chest, back or abdomen, deterioration in general condition and difficulty with feeding. Bacteria and viruses, especially after upper respiratory infections such as influenza, colds and sore throats Stating that it can cause an infection by entering the middle ear through the Eustachian canal, which extends between the throat and ear, Ertekir said: “Symptoms such as pain in the ear, sometimes fever and hearing loss are visible. Ear infections usually get worse at night because the pressure in the ear changes when you lie down. If necessary, antibiotic therapy is carried out.

Finally, Ertekir listed what needs to be done for protection as follows; “Avoid closed and crowded places. Breastfeed whenever possible while breastfeeding. Pay attention to a balanced and healthy diet, limit the consumption of packaged foods. Your diet should include seasonal fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C. Get into the habit of washing your hands, especially after using the toilet and before eating, and be sensitive to handwashing. Make sure he gets enough fluids, especially water, and don’t give him carbonated drinks. Dress appropriately for the ambient temperature. Make sure the place is not too hot. Do not forget that the nose needs to be moistened in hot rooms. Make sure he sleeps regularly. Keep away from air pollution and cigarette smoke. Ventilate rooms frequently. Clean toys and accessories regularly. Avoid using antibiotics unnecessarily. Do not neglect vaccinations in the vaccination calendar; If you are at risk, get a flu shot. Do not use a metabolic booster unless your doctor recommends it.”