TRENTO. Fever until 40 degrees but also fatigue, cough, cough and stomach ache. L’influenza it’s hitting these weeks too the little ones. This is confirmed for us pediatrician Lorena Filippivice president of the Trentino Medical Association. “We are inundated with cases” explains a the Dolomites.
As for the respiratory infections the incidence has increased in all age groups but, as usual, more so in children under five years of agewith approximately 50 cases per 1,000 patients. The numbers were reported in the latest report from RespiVirNet surveillance published by the Higher Institute of Health in the last few hours.
It is good to remember that for age and life contexts, just think of nurseries, schools, sports activities, the little ones also play an important role in the circulation of viruses in the community.
The influenza vaccination it is one of the most effective prevention measures. It has been recommended for all children, especially between 6 months and 6 years of age, and for those with chronic conditions that increase the risk of complications. The flu vaccine is safe and effective and helps reduce not only the severity of the disease, but also the spread of the virus.
“In the area – explains pediatrician Filippi – we are currently inundated with viral forms with sudden fever which also comes to 40 degrees but there can also be stomach ache, cough and sore throat”.
As already mentioned, it is the vaccine that makes the difference. “We are seeing – explains the pediatrician – that in children undergoing flu vaccination who in any case get sick because the virus has changed slightly over the last few months, they have a rapid course, lasting about 3 days, and are lighter. While for unvaccinated children we are faced with significant forms of fever that can last up to seven days and with strong debilitation.”
If in the adults are faced with an increase in hospitalizations with respiratory complications and numerous pneumonias (FURTHER READING HERE), fortunately to date there would be no such situations among the little ones although attention remains very high.
“Until last week – continues the pediatrician – we had many cases every day. Now with the closure of schools they have decreased slightly but there are still many remaining. There are no particular respiratory complications but the phlegmy cough which is especially disturbing at night persists.”
The peak is expected towards mid-January. “From the results of the swabs – concludes Filippi – we are facing type A influenza. When schools reopen we expect the increase in infections and the peak to resume.”
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