Warnings from experts regarding increased infections in children with the opening of schools
While the increase in complaints such as sore throat and fever seen in children with the start of schools worries parents, experts state that this situation does not mean a new epidemic.
With the opening of schools, the increase in infection cases such as sore throat, fever, cough, and rash frequently seen in children worries parents. Experts state that this picture is not a sign of a new epidemic, but rather an expected and normal situation due to crowded environments and the circulation of different viruses.
Infection Cases Increased with the Opening of Schools
With the opening of schools, infection cases seen in children are among the subjects that parents wonder about the most. The increase in diseases emerging with symptoms such as sore throat, fever, cough, vomiting, and rash raises question marks.
Epidemic Statement from Experts
Infectious Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Nafiz Koçak stated that children being together in crowded and indoor environments facilitates the spread of contagious diseases. Emphasizing that epidemic assessment must be handled with epidemiological data, experts noted that this increase alone is not an indicator of a new epidemic.
Risk of Carbon Dioxide Levels in Classrooms
Prof. Dr. Nafiz Koçak drew attention to high carbon dioxide levels in classrooms, conveying that measurements in some metropolitan cities have risen well above acceptable levels. Stating that high CO2 levels reduce decision-making performance and increase infection exposure, he said that regular ventilation should be done during breaks.
Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease and Symptoms
It was stated that one of the common diseases in young children recently is hand-foot-mouth disease caused by enteroviruses. It was reported that this situation, which is frequently experienced in late summer and early autumn, manifests itself with fever, sore throat, and sores inside the mouth.
Effective Measures That Can Be Taken
Experts stated that the source of the disease cannot be known based on a single symptom, and a physician should be consulted if the fever is high or lasts a long time. It was emphasized that spending time indoors as the weather cools creates a risk, and hand hygiene and regular ventilation are the most effective protection methods.