It is important to pay attention to signs that may indicate a more serious case that requires specialist care.
EINSTEIN AGENCY – Runny nose, cough, fever and malaise. These are symptoms that often leave parents distressed and are very annoying to children, especially those under 2 years of age, who are the most affected. During periods when the air is colder and drier, the airways, responsible for transporting air to the lungs, become more vulnerable to viral infections.
“Human behavior is a factor that worsens the condition, as people tend to spend more time indoors, which facilitates the spread of microorganisms that cause these diseases,” says pediatrician Linus Pauling Fascina, maternal and child medical director of the Israelita Albert Einstein Hospital, in Sao Paulo. He points out that some viruses, such as influenza, can survive longer in this type of climate, which contributes to everyone, especially children, becoming ill.
Pediatrician Celso De Moraes Terra, of the Einstein Pediatric Intensive Care Center, adds that the pandemic has contributed to the increase in cases of respiratory viruses, without an obligatory link to seasonality. This is probably due to the fact that children have returned to contact with adults in nurseries and schools after the period of confinement.
For all these reasons, frequently washing your hands or using alcohol gels, avoiding contact with sick people, covering your face when coughing or sneezing and keeping vaccinations up to date are fundamental measures to prevent contagion.
It is also important that managers are alert to signs that may indicate a more serious case requiring specialist care. “These include fever for more than two days, prostration, hypoactivity, signs of shortness of breath, increased breathing rate, moaning (a prolonged noise during exhalation), retraction of the throat region, decreased acceptance of food and frequency of urination,” warns Terra.
Know the characteristics and treatment of the most common pathologies and don’t forget: if you have any doubts, contact a specialist.
Cold
It is a very common disease that mainly affects the upper respiratory tract, including the nose and throat. It can be caused by a wide range of viruses, such as rhinovirus and adenovirus. The most common signs include nasal congestion, dripping of fluid from the nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, fatigue and, in some cases, low-grade fever.
“Colds are generally harmless and self-limiting, meaning they tend to get better on their own over a relatively short period of time, usually within a week or two,” says pediatrician Linus Pauling Fascina, maternal and child medical director at the Hospital Israelite Albert Einstein, in Sao Paulo.
Treatment essentially focuses on relieving symptoms and rest, so that the immune system can fight the infection more effectively. Additionally, drinking water, washing your nose with saline, sleeping with your head elevated, and using painkillers are measures that help improve the condition.
It is important to underline that a cold is different from the flu (read below), which can cause more serious complications. “If the condition is very serious, lasts longer than expected or presents complications, it is advisable to contact your doctor,” warns Fascina.
The flu
It is caused by the influenza virus and generally causes more intense symptoms than a cold, such as high fever, muscle aches, prostration, severe headache, fatigue, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, chills, and even small lymph nodes in the cervical region. .
If not treated properly, it can lead to complications such as pneumonia, especially in young children and people with weakened immune systems due to another illness. Treatment may include, in addition to the treatments indicated for colds, antiviral drugs that reduce the duration and intensity of the disorder.
To prevent it, it is essential to get the vaccine annually, as it is updated to fight the latest viral strains. “It is important that it is clear that the vaccine does not cause the disease, contrary to what many believe. It is made with dead viruses. So, if the person presents with the disease shortly afterwards, they have probably already had contact with the microorganism before vaccination “, explains Terra.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
This is the terminology used by doctors to describe a severe acute respiratory infection that can be caused by a variety of infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, and others, of which the influenza virus and coronavirus are the best-known examples.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) manifests symptoms such as cough, fever, and increased difficulty breathing and can lead to more serious conditions, such as pneumonia and respiratory failure.
In milder cases, it can be treated with medications to relieve symptoms, as well as rest and good hydration. On the other hand, more severe cases may require hospitalization and respiratory support, such as mechanical ventilation.
Prevention of SARS involves vaccination against common respiratory diseases, particularly influenza and Covid-19. Other important measures to prevent the disease include frequent hand washing, avoiding close contact with sick people and wearing masks in risky situations.
Bronchiolitis
It is a common disease, especially among young children, and is characterized by inflammation and obstruction of the bronchioles, which are the terminal branches of the bronchi. It is generally caused by viral infections, of which respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common.
Its symptoms can vary in severity and include persistent cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, tightness in the region near the neck, rapid breathing, runny and congested nose, and low to moderate fever.
The good news is that most cases are mild and can be treated at home with supportive measures, such as keeping your child hydrated, keeping the environment free of objects that can cause irritation to the respiratory system, and using appropriate medications.
However, in more severe cases, especially in children under two years of age or with other health problems, hospitalization may be necessary for intensive care and oxygen supply.
As with other respiratory viruses, prevention of bronchiolitis includes measures such as regular hand washing, avoiding contact with sick people, especially during respiratory infection season, and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke, which can worsen respiratory symptoms.
There is currently no commercially available vaccine to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. However, for extremely premature babies or those with medical conditions that put them at high risk of developing serious complications from the virus infection, such as severe congenital heart disease or chronic lung disease, doctors may opt for palivizumab. This medicine is injectable and is given monthly during the more seasonal months to help prevent infection. “There is an RSV vaccine being approved by the FDA and we may have new indications in the coming months,” Terra says.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
