With the opening of schools, visits to pediatric emergency rooms for upper respiratory tract infections increased
Following the opening of daycare centers and schools, a noticeable increase in complaints of viral upper respiratory tract infections has been recorded in pediatric emergency rooms.
With the opening of schools and daycare centers, a significant increase occurred in pediatric emergency room visits for viral upper respiratory tract infections, with the daily number of patients approaching double.
Increase in Cases in Pediatric Emergency Rooms
A noticeable rise in emergency visits was observed among children of daycare and primary school age presenting with complaints of runny nose, fever, and sore throat. Experts reported that the daily number of pediatric patients has nearly doubled compared to the summer period.
Symptoms and Cause of the Infection
It was stated that the observed clinical picture mostly points to a viral upper respiratory tract infection, while signs of bacterial infection are encountered less frequently. Families are applying with complaints of runny nose, mild fever, sore throat, and fatigue in children.
When to Consult a Doctor
While it is stated that children in good general condition can be monitored at home for two to three days, it is recommended to consult a doctor in case of high fever lasting more than three to four days, increasing cough, or deterioration in general condition.
Methods to Reduce Transmission
Frequent ventilation of classrooms, paying attention to hand hygiene, fluid intake, and keeping sick children home from school for at least a week are among the effective measures to reduce transmission.