Beware of the flu after the mid-term break!

Dr. Gökmen Alpaslan Taşkın from the Department of Pediatrics at Medipol University Çamlıca Hospital has issued a warning regarding potential flu cases that may arise as schools resume education following the cold weather and the end of the mid-term break.

According to the statement released by the university, the risk of flu in children may emerge with symptoms such as sudden high and persistent fever, sore throat, headache, cough, widespread muscle and joint pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

In the statement, Taşkın warned parents about flu cases that could occur after the mid-term break, stating, "The influenza (flu) virus is transmitted through droplets (coughing, sneezing) or by touching contaminated surfaces. We should cough or sneeze into a tissue or the inside of our elbow. We must avoid contaminating every surface we touch with viruses on our hands."

Reminding that the flu, which generally resolves on its own, can lead to serious illnesses in some cases, Taşkın emphasized that the flu vaccine should be administered if recommended by experts.

Stating that influenza should be considered in young children, especially if persistent fever and fatigue are prominent, Dr. Gökmen Alpaslan Taşkın noted, "The influenza virus can cause pneumonia. Another complication associated with influenza is myositis (muscle inflammation). In this case, the child may feel pain so severe that they cannot stand or have difficulty walking, and a diagnosis of muscle inflammation is made when an enzyme called creatine kinase rises in the blood."

Underlining that the flu is highly contagious and that the first 5 days are the most risky period, Taşkın noted that the virus can live on hands and surfaces for up to 24 hours.

Taşkın recommended washing hands frequently with warm water and soap to reduce the risk of transmission, covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, disposing of used tissues as quickly as possible, staying at home if there is a high fever or if one does not feel well enough to perform daily activities, and avoiding contact with other people as much as possible.