H1N1 Influenza A, known as swine flu, has started to show its effect again. Recently, many people around us have been experiencing high fever, weakness, sore throat and cough. This picture, which puts children to bed and rises to the first place among the causes of hospitalization, is caused by a virus called influenza A.
May result in death
Child Health and Diseases Specialist, who gave information about influenza. Rahime Koç said that since influenza starts with fever, headache, runny nose, malaise, cough and headache complaints, it is sometimes accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Koç, says, “If children have these symptoms, you should definitely contact your doctor,” says Koç , “Although it improves with treatment in 3-7 days in the majority of children, it can have a serious course even in children without chronic diseases, and even cause death.”
School-age children are most affected
Close contact of influenza from person to person, droplet route Koç, who said that he was infected with the virus, said, “Influenza can often be seen from October to the end of May. School-age children are most affected during these epidemics. On average, 40-50% of healthy children are affected by this virus. Hospitalization rates are higher for children younger than 24 months and adults older than 65 years. This disease can lead to consequences such as sudden death, and it can be seen in both chronic and previously healthy children.” said.
The incubation period ranges from 1 to 4 days
To diagnose a coach who says that the incubation period is between 1-4 days on average “Nasal swab samples should be taken preferably within the first 4 days after the onset of the disease. Because virus proliferation decreases significantly after that day. Careful clinical evaluation is vital in diagnosis. Because false positive or negative values can be seen in test results. Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment within the first 48 hours are vital in influenza.” said
Vaccination must be done
The best way to prevent the virus from making children sick is to get them vaccinated. Specialist Dr. Rahime Koç, “The influenza virus vaccines selected to be included in the seasonal vaccine may change every year. Vaccines have been developed against type A and B influenza viruses. All individuals aged 6 months and older should be vaccinated annually. Children aged 9 and over are vaccinated once a year, while children between the ages of 6 months and 8 years are vaccinated twice. Protection against disease is achieved within 1-2 weeks after the second dose.” .
Ways of protection
– Washing hands frequently
– Not staying in closed environments for long periods of time
– Frequent airing of homes and workplaces
– Sick individuals not entering crowded environments
– Covering your mouth with a tissue when sneezing and sneezing
