While the fever of influenza outbreaks has increased in Iran these days, a pediatric specialist emphasizes that people should refrain from arbitrarily taking all kinds of antibiotics in sick children.
According to the public relations report of the Iranian Children's Doctors Association quoted by Fars news agency; Influenza is one of the most common viral diseases in children, which occurs mainly in the cold seasons of the year and is caused by influenza virus type A or B. This disease is associated with symptoms such as sudden fever, chills, muscle pains, dry cough, sore throat, fatigue and sometimes nausea and vomiting. The course of illness usually lasts between 5 and 7 days, but feeling weak and coughing may last longer. Young children, especially those under the age of five, as well as children with underlying diseases such as asthma or heart disease, are at a higher risk of developing serious complications such as pneumonia. Since influenza is a viral disease, antibiotics do not play a role in its treatment. Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, and their unnecessary use causes drug resistance and damage to the beneficial microflora of the body. However, if the child develops a secondary bacterial infection (such as an ear infection or bacterial sinusitis), the doctor may prescribe the appropriate antibiotic.
Scientific advice of pediatric experts to treat influenza in most cases includes adequate rest, drinking plenty of fluids, appropriate antipyretics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (based on the age and weight of the child) and taking care of the symptoms. Also, annual influenza vaccination plays an important role in prevention. Experts emphasize that parents should avoid self-medication and consult a pediatrician in case of persistent fever, breathing problems or severe lethargy. These cares, simple but vital, are very effective in preventing complications and quick recovery of the child.
Dr. Ali Faraji, a specialist in children's diseases and a member of the board of directors of the Iranian Children's Physicians Association, in an interview with
The reason for the high prevalence of influenza in children This pediatric specialist mentioned the main reason for the high prevalence of influenza in children, their presence in crowded environments such as classrooms and school spaces, and said: Children in these environments easily transmit the virus to each other through breathing. Referring to the ways to prevent the transmission of the disease, Farji said: It is recommended to use a mask, and people who have symptoms of the disease or have recently had close contact with infected people should use a mask. He stressed: Sick people should avoid contact with healthy people as much as possible. For example, children who have symptoms should not go to school. The most important way to prevent disease transmission is to avoid the presence of sick people in environments where others are present. This pediatric specialist listed washing hands regularly as a vital measure to prevent disease transmission. Dr. Faraji stated that it is not possible to completely prevent the transmission of influenza, because it is possible to transmit the virus before the onset of symptoms, and added: People who may show symptoms of the disease in the coming days can also transmit the virus in the days when they do not have symptoms. He deals with the treatment approaches of influenza disease and emphasizes that the treatment is usually carried out in the form of care and the use of antibiotics has no place in this disease. It separates treatment strategies based on the severity of the disease and the patient's conditions, and finally, points out the need for some patients to be admitted to the hospital and receive special care.Key points He noted: In most cases, the treatment of influenza does not require the use of special drugs, and the course of the disease is passed with general care such as drinking fluids, rest, and the use of painkillers. Faraji added: Influenza is a self-limiting disease and the body is able to fight the virus with its immune system. There is no need to use antibiotics in the treatment of influenza. Antibiotics work on bacteria and have no effect on treating viral diseases such as influenza. This pediatrician emphasized: Excessive use of antibiotics not only does not help cure the disease, but can lead to antibiotic resistance and side effects. He clarified: People who have underlying diseases or the severity of the flu can use antiviral drugs according to the doctor's opinion. These drugs can reduce the duration of the disease and prevent serious complications. Hospitalization required in severe cases Farji reminded: Patients who have very severe symptoms such as very high fevers, lethargy and abnormalities in blood tests, should be admitted to the hospital. Hospitalization of these patients is done in order to strictly control symptoms, prevent complications and provide special care. Complications of Influenza Disease, a member of the Board of Pediatric Specialists, noted: Some patients may suffer from flu complications such as secondary microbial infections, lung infections, difficulty breathing, and even nervous system infections due to the severity of the disease or underlying diseases. These complications can be very dangerous and require special care in the hospital. He said: Influenza treatment should be determined based on the severity of the disease and the patient's condition. In most cases, conservative treatment is sufficient, but in severe cases, the use of antiviral drugs and hospitalization are necessary. Microbial secondary infections This pediatric specialist pointed to secondary microbial infections as one of the complications of the flu and added: These infections are usually caused by the weakening of the body's immune system due to the flu virus. Infection of the nervous system Faraji mentioned the infection of the nervous system as one of the rare but serious complications of influenza and said: Treatment of influenza usually requires general care and the use of antibiotics has no place. In severe cases, it is necessary to use anti-viral drugs and hospitalization. He added: "Influenza can have serious complications, so it is very important to prevent it through vaccination and personal hygiene."
