"Influenza has been surprising us in recent years," infectious disease specialist and pediatrician Maria Koliou told CNA. On the occasion of the tragic death of a four-year-old girl from influenza A on Monday, Ms. Koliou referred to the usual symptoms, as well as to preventive and protective measures to limit the transmission of the virus.
As he mentioned, although rare, it does happen that serious complications, such as encephalitis or sepsis, are caused by the flu, even in healthy children. "It's rare, but it's not strange, complications do happen," he said, noting that in recent years the flu has been "so severe that it surprises us."
Common symptoms of influenza include symptoms mainly in the respiratory system, with cough, nasal congestion, sneezing, severe weakness, bone and joint pain, and sometimes diarrhea in young children.
He noted that there is currently a major outbreak of the flu virus, stating that many cases are being hospitalized at Makarios, which, as he said, "are the tip of the iceberg, the serious cases." He added that pediatricians are also seeing many cases daily, pointing out that the overall picture is with the Ministry of Health, which keeps statistics and monitors activity every week.
The doctor emphasized that the A and Z of prevention is the vaccine. Children should be vaccinated from the age of six months to 5 years. "Even with this subtype of the virus that is out of the ordinary, it seems that the vaccine protects against severe illness," she emphasized.
He noted that the World Health Organization recommends vaccination for children up to the age of 15. After this age, the risks of the disease are considered lower. For infants under six months, vaccination of their environment is recommended.
The vaccine is also recommended for people over 60 years of age and for people with chronic diseases, as well as for pregnant women, who are considered high risk and can get the vaccine in the third trimester.
Suggesting protective measures, he said that it is important to avoid crowding or, where this cannot be avoided, to ventilate the space well. He noted that healthy people should avoid contact with people who are sick.
Regarding patients, he said that when they cough or sneeze, they should put a tissue on their face, then throw it away and wash their hands. "This instruction is very important. The flu virus on objects or in the environment lives for up to 48 hours in mucus. If we touch it and put it in our eyes or mouth, we get it," he said.
He also emphasized that sick people should not go to work, so as not to transmit the virus, for at least 1-2 days after they are fever-free, noting that symptoms usually last for five days.
Regarding children, the doctor emphasized the need for good ventilation of spaces. "During breaks, children should learn to go outside, run, and ventilate their bodies and the classroom," she suggested, also noting the importance of a healthy diet and exercise.
Dr. Koliou also mentioned that when a child is sick, "parents should show good conscience and keep them at home," describing it as "criminal" to send children to school with antipyretics and expose other children to the disease.
Source: KYPE
