'Antibiotic' warning for school-age children
Experts emphasize that respiratory infections common in school-age children may be viral, and therefore, one should not insist on antibiotic treatment.
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Kayseri City Hospital Pediatric Health and Diseases and Neonatal Intensive Care Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Özdemir stated that with the onset of winter and colder weather, infectious diseases are on the rise, and colds and flu have become widespread.
"It should not be overlooked that most infections, especially in young children, are viral. One should not be insistent about antibiotics for viral infections," said Özdemir, adding that by using symptomatic treatment, the liver and kidney burden on infants, nursing children, and especially young children should not be increased.
BALANCED NUTRITION AND ADEQUATE FLUID INTAKE ARE IMPORTANT
Explaining that symptoms are similar in viral and bacterial infections, Özdemir stated that upper respiratory tract infections can turn into lower respiratory tract infections if not treated correctly; therefore, it is necessary to follow the doctor's prescription and support the child's balanced nutrition and adequate fluid intake.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özdemir pointed out that if a viral infection patient's fever does not drop, symptoms continue to increase at night, and there is cyanosis (bluish discoloration) in infants, the probability of a lower respiratory tract infection also increases.
ATTENTION TO MASK USE
Reminding that wearing masks, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, protected against infections and reduced hospital admission rates, particularly in pediatric age groups, Özdemir drew attention to the fact that viral infections are transmitted through droplets and contact.
Özdemir stated that children staying in schools with masks or being in closed environments might be worse than not wearing a mask if the mask is not used correctly, adding, "Even without a mask, if we pay attention to some distance, it is not a rule that we must be protected by a mask.
However, we can recommend that our patients with underlying immunodeficiency issues use masks during periods of temporary outbreaks. We must pay attention to our personal hygiene, especially taking care to wash our hands. Because we know that such viral agents remain prevalent for up to 48-72 hours, even in inanimate environments."