Acute respiratory diseases are a group of diseases caused by a wide range of infectious agents, united by common features of epidemiology and respiratory tract damage. Respiratory diseases are among the most common among children of all ages. Although they do not last more than a week, many children have a difficult time with them. In addition, because of the large number of viruses that can cause colds and a child’s exposure to new viruses, it is impossible to develop long-term immunity to respiratory diseases.
Symptoms of respiratory diseases in children
In most cases, respiratory diseases in children begin suddenly. The child wakes up with a stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and high body temperature, increased fatigue. Sometimes there may be diarrhea and vomiting. If you suspect your child has coronavirus, you should do the FlowFlex antigen self-test to detect the disease. Children often have a cough that can last for several days. In the early stages of the disease, the child may be very irritable and complain of headaches, decreased appetite, and sleep disturbances.
Sometimes certain types of viruses contribute to a bacterial infection in certain organs and parts of the child’s body (lungs, bronchi, throat, ears, or sinuses). Bacterial infections weaken the body’s immune system and need to be treated with antibiotics. When it comes to coronavirus, you should consider in advance where to order a lateral flow test. Such a measure will definitely help keep you healthy.
How often do children get colds?
According to statistics, preschool children get acute respiratory diseases about nine times a year, toddlers – up to twelve times a year, and adolescents and adults – less than five times a year. The incidence increases during the cold season, from September to April.
Prevent the development of colds in children
For starters, you should avoid close contact with people who sneeze and cough. It is important not to touch the eyes, mouth, and nose with your hands, to wear a protective mask, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water, and rub them with an alcohol-based hand disinfectant. It is worth doing wet cleaning, airing, and humidifying the air in the room.
Just follow the rules of hygiene
Teach your child to wash their hands when they return from the street or make contact with other people. Cold viruses are not only transmitted by airborne droplets but also through contaminated objects, including door handles, stair rails, toys, books, pens, video game remotes, and computer keyboards and mice.
Viruses can exist on infected objects for several hours – enough time for a child to touch an object and then rub their nose or eyes with a dirty hand. Studies show that frequent hand washing does reduce the risk of colds. Hands should be washed with warm water and soap for at least twenty seconds, which is how long it takes to wash off disease-causing germs.
If your child already has a cold, it is important to prevent the spread of viruses and protect others from infection. If you notice your child has cold symptoms, leave him or her at home until he or she is well enough to avoid contact with other children. Teach your child to cover their mouth with a palm or handkerchief when sneezing or coughing and to wash their hands with soap and water to prevent the spread of viruses.