As the weather gets colder, the time spent in closed and crowded environments increases. As the time spent indoors increases, the spread of viruses and other infectious infections also increases. Dr. Hüseyin Yıldız explained the common winter diseases in children and ways to protect against these diseases.
The increased length of stay indoors (schools, kindergartens, shopping malls) in cold weather causes respiratory viruses and other infections to spread easily from person to person. Stating that cold and dry air can weaken the nasal mucosa and other defense barriers in the respiratory tract, Specialist from the Department of Pediatrics at Medicana Konya Hospital. Dr. Hüseyin Yıldız also pointed out that cold weather can also lower children's immunity.
Viruses are the most common cause of diseases
Children get sick more often in winter because their immune systems are weaker than adults. Stating that while upper respiratory tract infections are especially common in children in winter, the frequency of lower respiratory tract infections also increases, Uzm. Dr. Hüseyin Yıldız said, “Upper respiratory tract infections such as colds (flu), influenza (influenza), otitis media (otitis), pharyngitis, tonsillitis (tonsillitis), croup and lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia (pneumonia) are also common in children in winter.
It is said that the symptoms of the common cold and flu, which are especially common in the winter season, are very similar to each other. Dr. Yıldız said that a child can have colds 7-8 times a year. Noting that nearly 200 viruses cause the common cold, Yıldız said that the most common agents are rhinoviruses and gave the following information: “In the common cold, symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, loss of appetite, restlessness, sometimes shortness of breath and mild fever are observed 3-4 days after contact with the virus. This picture may be more severe in small babies. Although most symptoms usually improve in 1 week, the cough can sometimes last up to 2 weeks.”
The place of antibiotics in cold and flu treatment
Stating that antibiotics have no place in the treatment of the common cold, Uzm. Dr. Hüseyin Yılmaz said, “It is recommended that the patient rest, drink plenty of fluids, adjust the ambient humidity well and eat a healthy, balanced diet. In addition, if there is fever, it should be controlled with antipyretics.”
Stating that another common winter disease in children is the flu, Yıldız said that the flu is caused by the influenza virus. Noting that antibiotics are not used in the treatment of influenza, Uzm. Dr. Hüseyin Yıldız continued as follows: “While the flu usually starts and ends as a mild upper respiratory tract infection with fever, it can sometimes turn into a life-threatening disease. High fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, pain in muscles and joints, abdominal pain, red eyes, nausea, vomiting and sometimes diarrhea can be seen. The patient is recommended to rest, pay attention to nutrition and drink plenty of fluids. If there is pain and fever, painkillers and antipyretics should be used. Sometimes antiviral drugs used in the early stage of the disease can be useful in the mild course of the disease.
Pediatric Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Hüseyin Yıldız, who mentioned that precautions should be taken before the disease comes, listed the things to be done to protect children from winter diseases as follows: “Babies should be fed with breast milk as much as possible. Pay attention to hand washing and wash hands frequently. Adequate and balanced nutrition should be provided and sufficient fluids, especially water, should be taken. Seasonal vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C should be consumed regularly. Adequate and regular sleep should be provided to increase body resistance. Children should be dressed according to the temperature of their environment. Paper towels should be used instead of cloth towels. Children should be kept away from shopping centers and especially children's playgrounds. Classrooms at school and the home environment should be regularly ventilated. Toys and other materials should be cleaned frequently. Avoid smoking and polluted air.”
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