Child influenza: the challenge of safeguarding children ‘ s health
The child influenza epidemic is one of the major health hazards to children and has an immeasurable impact on the individual, family and society of children, requiring our full recognition and active response.
Child influenza is an acute respiratory epidemic caused by influenza viruses. Influenza viruses have multiple subtypes and their high transmission and variability make children highly vulnerable to infection. In places where children gather, such as schools and kindergartens, the virus can spread rapidly. Children ‘ s immunization systems are not yet complete and their ability to withstand the virus is relatively weak, making them vulnerable to influenza.
Influenza viruses are transmitted mainly through foaming and exposure. Children are exposed at close range during play, learning and life. Infected children who cough and sneeze with a virus are likely to become infected by inhalation. At the same time, exposure of children to virus-contaminated items, touching of nose, mouth, eyes, etc., can also lead to virus intrusion.
The symptoms are more typical when children become infected with influenza. The heat is usually high and the temperature can be as high as 39°C or higher, accompanied by all-body symptoms such as cold warfare, headaches, muscular acidity and lack of strength. Respiratory symptoms, such as cough, flue aldicarb, nose plugs, ingesting, etc., are also common, and some children may suffer from gastrointestinal disorders such as vomiting and diarrhoea. These symptoms have a serious impact on the daily lives of children, reducing their mental state and their appetite.
Of even greater concern is the potential for multiple complications arising from the child influenza epidemic. Pneumonia is a more serious type of disease, which can cause children to breathe quickly and in difficult conditions, threatening their lives. In addition, Chinese ear, nasal, encephalitis and myocarditis may be involved, and these complications can cause long-term damage to the physical development and health of children, especially those suffering from underlying diseases, especially those caused by influenza.
At the family level, children ‘ s influenza can keep parents worried and busy. Parents spend considerable time caring for sick children, which may affect their work and lives. Furthermore, the infectivity of influenza may expose other members of the family to the risk of infection.
From a social point of view, the child influenza epidemic has placed enormous strain on public health resources. The high incidence of influenza, the strain on resources for paediatric medicine and the overcrowding of hospitals may lead to reduced medical efficiency and affect access to other patients. The large number of children absent due to illness also interferes with the normal teaching order in schools and kindergartens.
Prevention is essential in order to combat the influenza epidemic in children. Influenza vaccination is an effective prevention method that can significantly reduce the probability of children contracting influenza. Parents should be vaccinated in a timely manner, as recommended by the health sector. At the same time, good hygiene practices such as hand washing, coughing or sneezing with paper towels or elbows should be developed for children. Maintaining indoor air flow and reducing human-intensive site activities will also help to prevent influenza.
In case of flu symptoms in children, they should be treated in a timely manner. Doctors can use anti-influenza virus drugs for treatment based on medical conditions, and parents are required to provide care, to ensure adequate rest and a reasonable diet and to promote the rehabilitation of children.
The child influenza epidemic is an issue that requires our highest attention and that can be better protected from influenza and guaranteed its healthy development only through the joint efforts of families, schools and society.
Children under 5 years of age
