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1. It is the season of infections for all of us and especially for children. What kind of infections are afflicting children at this time of year?
These are mainly viral infections that mainly affect the respiratory system.
As we explain to parents, most viruses can affect any system of our body, even more than one at the same time (e.g. respiratory and digestive). However, they have a specific “tropism”, that is, they prefer one system more, such as the respiratory system. However, this does not mean that a child with a cough and a runny nose cannot also have diarrhea.

During this period, we are mainly observing influenza type B, which started earlier this year, i.e. from December, while influenza type A appeared as early as October and continues. Therefore, a child may have had influenza A and have influenza B, with a short time difference between them.
We also have cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, enterovirus, adenovirus and metapneumovirus, while there are fewer cases of SARS-CoV-2.

2. We hear about severe infections or their complications. Is this true? What do you think is to blame for this?
As a hospital doctor, I can tell you that the most prolonged and serious cases have always ended up in hospitals, as well as complications of viral infections or co-infections, that is, infections caused simultaneously by viruses and bacteria. Also, states of immune deviation with the stimulus of an infectious agent.

We observe that, after the pandemic, these incidents have increased.

It is often said that the main cause is the use of masks, isolation and, especially for children, the lack of “training” of their immune system due to the restrictive measures that had to be taken during the pandemic.
However, studies that we have presented at conferences show that both viruses and bacteria have undergone mutations as a consequence of the “suppression” by SARS-CoV-2, which prevailed during the pandemic. The viruses do not disappear but, as SARS-CoV-2 “weakens”, they reappear with new phenotypes and clinical pictures, which in children are often more severe.

3. What would you advise parents?
During the winter months, it is advisable to avoid, as much as possible, crowded places, especially when we have very young children. We must meticulously implement hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene, and it is important to educate our children in these measures. In addition, we make sure to ventilate closed spaces well.
And of course, it is essential to adhere to the National Vaccination Program.

4. How can we protect children?
If we notice worrying signs (which we will mention below), an immediate assessment by the pediatrician should be made.

‼️ No telephone diagnoses, messages, photos or videos! Only in our country does this happen.

Even the most experienced colleagues have made mistakes trying to help remotely. It is impossible, with so much work, to remember how many days each child has had a fever, to evaluate their hearing without listening to them or to diagnose the type of rash without seeing it.

When should we worry and see a doctor immediately:

– If our child is not as we know him/her, he/she seems lethargic, sleepy or, on the contrary, very restless.
– If the fever is prolonged, especially if he/she shows no signs of remission.
– If the fever subsides for 1-2 days and then returns.
– If he/she develops a rash.
– If the cough is deep, like a “bark”, or if it does not stop and is paroxysmal.
– If his/her belly rises and falls sharply when he/she breathes or if he/she breathes very quickly.
– In infants, additionally, if they do not eat or are very restless.
– If their skin color changes.
– If their breathing stops.
– If they have convulsions.