Viral fever and flu surge among kids in Bahrain as winter chill sets in

AFP | Jerusalem                                               

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

With the onset of colder nights and a drop in daytime temperatures in Bahrain, the number of cases involving viral fever and flu-like symptoms has witnessed a significant rise among children.

As concern grows, medical professionals in the kingdom are urging parents to take proactive measures to protect their children’s health during the winter season. According to leading paediatricians, the foremost and most effective method of safeguarding against the flu is through an annual flu vaccine for both children and adults.

It is recommended that everyone aged six months and older receive the flu vaccination each year. Dr. Chandra Mouli Godada, a specialist paediatrician at Bahrain Specialist Hospital, explains, “Flu viruses undergo constant changes, necessitating frequent updates to flu vaccines.

These updates help protect against the specific flu viruses that research indicates are most likely to cause illness during the upcoming flu season.” Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is caused by various strains of the influenza virus and primarily occurs during the winter months.

Each year, infections are caused by slightly different strains of the virus, making annual flu vaccinations crucial for maintaining immunity against evolving variants. Dr. Chandra highlights the safety and efficacy of flu vaccines, stating, “In studies where vaccine viruses and circulating viruses were matched, flu vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of falling ill with the flu by approximately 40 to 60 percent.”

Research

Moreover, recent research has demonstrated that the flu vaccine can reduce children’s risk of severe, life-threatening influenza by up to 75%. In addition to vaccination, Dr. Chandra emphasises the adoption of preventive measures to minimise the transmission of flu viruses.

These measures include avoiding close contact with sick individuals, covering coughs and sneezes, frequent hand washing with soap and water, refraining from touching the eyes, nose, and mouth, and diligently cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may harbour flu viruses.

To alleviate flu symptoms, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be administered to children aged two years and older, specifically for fever, headaches, and muscle and body aches. Additionally, simple home remedies such as nasal sprays with saline solution or salty water can provide relief.

Antiviral drugs

In cases where individuals have already contracted the flu, Dr. Chandra emphasises the potential benefits of antiviral drugs. “These prescribed medications are specifically designed to treat flu illnesses caused exclusively by influenza viruses. While ideally, antiviral treatment should commence within two days of symptom onset, children can still derive benefits even if treatment is initiated two or more days after becoming sick,” he added.

As the number of viral fever and flu cases rises among children due to the changing weather, parents and carers must prioritise their children’s health.