“Tips for Parents: Handling Influenza Outbreak Among Children in Hong Kong”

2023-05-01 10:06:21

2023-05-01 17:37 Last Updated: 18:45

Influenza cases in Hong Kong are on the rise, and young children are one of the high-risk groups. In response to the recent increase in cases of influenza and other respiratory viruses among young children, 10 medical organizations including the Hong Kong Pediatric Association issued recommendations for stay-at-home care and prevention, and reminded parents that if their children develop a series of symptoms, they should call an ambulance to the hospital for medical treatment.

Stay-at-Home Care Advice:

1. Record the date and time of onset of symptoms in the sick child

2. Pay attention to the drinking water, food intake, frequency and volume of urination and urination of sick children, observe and record daily whether the symptoms of sick children increase, and observe whether there is any deterioration of the condition, such as: pale complexion, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath , Mental deterioration, etc.

3. If a child is suspected to have a fever, take the temperature of the sick child with an ear thermometer every 4 hours every day. And record the temperature.Feeling body temperature by touching the forehead is extremely inaccurate and unreliable

4. Maintain healthy living habits for sick children: eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, maintain moderate activity, and have adequate rest and sleep.

5. Teach sick children to maintain personal hygiene, caregivers and sick children try not to contact with other family members.

6. The home should maintain good ventilation. Open more windows, because indoor air circulation can effectively dilute the virus or allow the virus to be carried away with the airflow. If you have a HEPA filter in your home, you should use it.

7. Parents and caregivers do not need to worry too much, because most patients infected with influenza and respiratory viruses will recover slowly. The fever will last for about 2 to 3 days and will gradually recover. Antiviral drugs can be taken according to the doctor’s prescription.

An ambulance should be called for hospitalization if the following symptoms occur:

Sick children should call an ambulance immediately if symptoms such as dyspnea, purple lips, heartache, rapid heartbeat, sudden change or confusion of mind, persistent high fever, difficulty eating, or signs of convulsions appear.

Participating groups include the Hong Kong Pediatric Association, the Hong Kong Chinese Medical Association, and the Hong Kong Pediatric Immunization Allergy and Infectious Diseases Society. Severe illness, acute complications, hospital admission, and medium and long-term sequelae.

Influenza cases are on the rise, and 10 medical groups have issued advice on staying at home and reminded parents to get their children flu shots as soon as possible.profile picture

Two serious cases of Influenza A infection in children were reported in Hong Kong at the end of April, involving a 14-year-old boy with chronic illness and a 19-month-old girl with good past health. Neither of them had been vaccinated against this season’s seasonal influenza, and they had no travel during the incubation period.

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