With the arrival of winter, the frequency of respiratory tract infections increases; outbreaks can be seen especially after sudden changes in air temperature. It is normal for a school-going child to have a cold 6-7 times a year. Most respiratory infections are viral and do not require antibiotics.

More than 200 viruses and bacteria cause infections. Viruses cause illnesses ranging from a simple common cold to the flu and pneumonia. In children, infections such as bronchiolitis and croup are common in winter. Bacteria can also cause tonsillitis, middle ear infections, sinusitis, and pneumonia.

How is it transmitted?

Viruses are usually transmitted through droplets spread into the air after a sick person coughs or sneezes. Hand contact and indirect transmission through objects can also occur. The flu virus can remain alive on objects for 12-24 hours. To reduce transmission, sick individuals should avoid crowded environments or use masks. Attention should be paid to hand washing, and indoor spaces should be ventilated. Cigarette smoke reduces respiratory resistance in children and facilitates the emergence of infections and allergies.

Common Cold (Nezle)

These viruses become active as the air temperature drops. It manifests with symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and mild fever. If there is a high fever, complications such as middle ear infection or sinusitis should be considered.

Nasal passages should be kept open with nasal drops, and if necessary, painkillers such as paracetamol can be taken. Plenty of fluids, herbal teas, freshly squeezed orange juice, and chicken soup are soothing. Since dry air increases nasal congestion, the room should be humidified by placing water on the radiator.

Symptoms                                                            Common Cold                                                                  Flu

Fever                                                                     Rare                                                                                   38-39 degrees

Headache                                                            Rare                                                                                   Continuous

General pain                                                         Low                                                                                         Common

Fatigue                                                              Mild                                                                                    2-3 weeks

Nasal congestion, sneezing                                 Usually                                                                          Sometimes

Sore throat                                                       Usually                                                                          Sometimes

Cough                                                             Rare                                                                                   Usually

Complication                                                    Sinusitis, ear inf                                                           Bronchitis, pneumonia

Prevention                                                       General measures                                                                              Vaccine

Flu

The flu is a highly contagious disease affecting 5-15% of the population every year. It leads to serious illness in 3-5 million people and 250,000-500,000 deaths worldwide each year. Type A flu virus causes disease in humans, birds, and mammals, while types B and C are only seen in humans.

The flu virus changes its antigenic structure rapidly; different types cause disease every year. To determine these types, the World Health Organization conducts research every year. Probable types for the next season are determined based on these findings, and the vaccine is prepared. The vaccine is protective against 3 types; in recent years, quadrivalent vaccines have been introduced.

While the flu season usually starts around September-October, in the last 5 years it has been observed to start in December-January and end in April-May. Therefore, the flu vaccine can be administered in November-December. The protectiveness of the vaccine starts 10-14 days later and continues for about 6 months.

The difference between the flu and other viral infections is its sudden onset and fever reaching 39-40 degrees; these two features are typical for the flu. Symptoms start within a few days after exposure to the virus and last an average of 7-10 days. It causes bed rest due to widespread muscle pain, headache, chills, and exhaustion. If there are findings such as long-term fever and cough, difficulty breathing, or vomiting, a doctor should be consulted.

Antibiotics have no place in flu treatment; however, if secondary infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis have developed, antibiotics are used. Antiviral drugs effective against the virus can be used in selected cases. Plenty of fluids, rest, and painkillers are recommended.

Flu Vaccine

The World Health Organization recommends vaccination as the best way to protect against the flu. The protective rate of the vaccine is around 60-70% on average. Vaccination is recommended as the most effective method of protection, especially for those in risk groups.

Risk groups

  • Those with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, heart diseases, kidney disease, blood disease, and their families,
  • Immunosuppressed patients; Cancer patients, patients with congenital immune system diseases, those using cortisone.
  • Those over 65 years old (50 years old is accepted in some countries)
  • Healthcare workers

Vaccination is also recommended for children between 6 months and 3 years old as their immune systems are not yet fully developed.

The flu vaccine is prepared with antigenic particles of the virus; it is not a live vaccine.

Who cannot get the flu vaccine?

  • Children younger than 6 months
  • Those with a febrile illness
  • Those with an egg allergy or allergy to the substances in the vaccine
  • Those in the first 3 months of pregnancy

How is the vaccine applied?

  • 1/2 dose is given to children between 6 months and 3 years old, and a full dose to adults.
  • If the child is being vaccinated for the first time, a 2nd dose is given 1 month apart.
  • The vaccine is administered intramuscularly, from the arm in those over 2 years old, and from the leg in smaller children.

Is there any side effect?

Since it is not a live vaccine, it is not expected to cause disease, but mild fever, muscle pain, and exhaustion may occur. Local side effects include redness and pain at the vaccination site.

To protect against respiratory tract infections;

  • Hands should be washed with soap, and the face and mouth should not be touched with dirty hands.
  • Close contact with sick people and shared use of items should be avoided.
  • Crowded places such as malls and public transport should be avoided.
  • People with the flu should not go to work or school until they recover.
  • During sneezing or coughing, the mouth should be covered with a paper tissue or our elbow.
  • Attention should be paid to nutrition, and plenty of fluids should be taken. Probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, pickles, and tarhana help the immune system.
  • Sunbathing for 15-20 minutes every day (important to get enough vitamin D).
  • Sleep: sleep an average of 8 hours a day.
  • Products containing beta-glucan, African geranium, elderberry extract, and propolis can be used to strengthen the immune system.

Spec. Dr. Hale Yener / Pediatrics Specialist / IRENBE