Including Drinking Water and Receiving Vaccinations: Tips for Protecting and Treating Children from Influenza

A wave of common influenza infections is spreading among Egyptians with the onset of winter, causing annoying symptoms for those infected and some concern for others, especially regarding children who are more susceptible to infection. However, following some necessary medical guidelines can reduce infections and help speed up recovery.

Dr. Magy Abdel Fattah, a pediatric specialist, states that the common infection is caused by influenza virus type A, which is transmitted through exposure to the droplets of cough or sneeze from infected individuals or by touching objects that carry traces of sneezing and coughing without washing hands afterward.

Dr. Magy explains in exclusive statements to "Al-Shorouk" that distinguishing between influenza and a cold is easier by monitoring temperature, as a cold does not include fever symptoms despite the occurrence of a runny nose, headache, and joint pain, while influenza is characterized by a sudden rise in temperature without a gradual increase.

She added that both diseases occur due to viral infections, but a cold is affected by weakened immunity resulting from temperature fluctuations, unlike influenza, which is only affected by direct infection.

Magy mentioned that the influenza vaccine is very important, especially since it reduces the likelihood of infection by 50%, and lowers the risk of complications by 75%, as influenza can develop into serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

She adds that the effect of the vaccine begins to appear two weeks after receiving it, while one can be exposed to the disease during the mentioned two weeks before the preventive effect of the vaccine takes effect.

Dr. Magy also discussed concerns related to vaccination, clarifying that side effects occur in 5% of cases, including a runny nose and headache, and do not exceed two days after receiving the vaccine. Additionally, receiving the vaccine does not require re-vaccination the following year, contrary to some circulating misconceptions.

She emphasized the importance of pregnant women receiving the influenza vaccine, as its protective effect is transferred to the fetus and accompanies them during the first months after birth, for which no specific vaccine is designated, as vaccinations are intended for children over six months.

Dr. Magy pointed out the most important methods of preventing influenza, emphasizing the need to wear masks that protect against droplets from sneezing and coughing that carry the virus. She also advised washing hands with soap and water or using medical sanitizers that eliminate lingering viruses after touching various objects.

She highlighted the importance of increasing water intake, as it enhances the mucous membrane in the nose and mouth, making it more resistant to viruses.

She explained the importance of children engaging in sports, being exposed to sunlight, and being in well-ventilated areas, along with organizing sleep for about eight hours daily to strengthen the immune system against viral infections.

She stated that influenza is a viral infection that is not affected by antibiotics, so they should only be taken in cases of secondary infections or prolonged illness, and this should only be done after consulting a doctor.

She clarified that treatment is limited to strengthening natural immunity by increasing water and fluid intake and providing healthy nutrition with fruits rich in vitamin C while reducing processed foods with preservatives, along with using antipyretic medications and compresses to reduce the child's fever.

She stressed that according to the nature of the cases currently spreading, symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea appear in influenza patients and are not considered serious complications, and can be managed by compensating for lost fluids through increased water intake, while medications should only be taken after consulting a doctor.