Given the increase of between 30 to 40% per day in consultations for respiratory diseases in the Pediatric Emergency Service of the Hospital de Clínicas de la FCMUNA, Prof. Dr. Ricardo Iramain, head of the area, urges parents and caregivers of children and girls, to insist on preventive care against flu symptoms, as well as immunization against influenza, to avoid serious symptoms.
“We are seeing a daily increase in consultations for respiratory diseases of between 30 to 40% more; We are talking about cases of bronchiolitis in infants, and children with acute bronchitis, pneumonia, colds and flu. We observe a very important circulation of influenza, and it is when we point to the great concept of prevention; It is very important for parents to protect against predisposing factors for seasonal viruses and also to get their children vaccinated against influenza, because they are the only ways to prevent these conditions.“, he pointed.
The specialist said that this increase is worrisome, and added that most arrive at the consultation late, that is, with a complicated picture of the disease.
“There are children who arrive at the clinic late and from the emergency room, where many times we have to go to the hospitalization unit in the observation unit, some need oxygen, others serum, because they are already in a state of dehydration or because they require a lot of of oxygen; That is why early consultation is imperative for parents, they have to take this into account, when there is an early consultation, the progression of the disease is prevented, because there is an early diagnosis and therefore early treatment of the disease”, he explained
warning symptoms
When the boy or girl presents certain warning signs such as agitation or what is commonly known as juku’a, when he or she does not eat, does not drink liquids, has a dry mouth, shows weakness, urinates little and has a high fever over 38°, the parents They need to see their pediatrician immediately.
“As for the symptoms, high fever is one of the signs that should alert parents, but we must also mention that fever also acts as a defense mechanism, it is not always a very negative alarm; but it is important to differentiate high fever from low-grade fever; the latter does not represent a sign of seriousness, while high fever, starting at 38° and repetitively, difficult to lower, can become an enemy, especially in infants from 6 months to 4 years old, even 5 years”, he stated.
Immunization against Influenza A and B
Getting vaccinated against the flu or getting vaccinated against influenza does not mean that the child will not catch the flu, but it does help prevent the severity of the case.
“We urge parents to attend vaccinations with their children so that they can receive the dose of immunization against influenza A and B, through the quadrivalent, which fortunately we already have in the country and is the one that covers all strains. This is a very important prevention concept since from 6 months of age you can already receive the dose against the flu”, he exclaimed.
Finally, Prof. Ricardo Iramain, refers that vaccination must be accompanied by preventive care, such as not exposing children to the cold in these times, keeping them warm when it is necessary to leave the house; maintain hygiene habits, hand washing, use of a mask in cases of the flu, avoid contact with people with respiratory conditions, not attend school in the event of signs or flu symptoms.
