About Acute Respiratory Infections and Pneumonia

12 February

Dear parents, please take a moment to read the valuable advice of Sergey Sargsyan, Head of the Institute of Child and Adolescent Health at Arabkir Medical Center and Consultant in Pediatrics for the Ministry of Health.

Armenia is currently experiencing a period of acute respiratory infections (ARI), which are common during this season.

For most cases of ARI, specific treatment is not required. These can often be managed at home or on an outpatient basis with the following care:

• Temperature control using antipyretics (for temperatures above 38.5°C)
• Adequate hydration and fluid intake
• Nasal irrigation
• Pain relief
• Proper nutrition

It's important to assess the child's health condition with a family doctor or pediatrician.

When should you consult a doctor immediately?

• Severe weakness or irritability
• Convulsions
• Uncontrollable high fever
• Repeated vomiting
• Rapid or labored breathing (including “belly breathing”)
• Severe earache, especially bilateral
• Severe sore throat, making it difficult to swallow even liquids

Pneumonia is a severe complication of influenza and SARS. While it is less common in adolescents, it can still be severe, especially in children with chronic illnesses. Pneumonia causes lung damage that can lead to oxygen deprivation, affecting the heart, brain, and other vital organs.

In such cases, antimicrobial treatment is necessary and should only be prescribed by a doctor. Antibiotics should not be used unnecessarily.

The risk of influenza and ARI complications, especially pneumonia, can be significantly reduced by:

• Breastfeeding
• A balanced diet
• Vaccinations
• Avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke
• A healthy lifestyle and physical activity
• Wearing appropriate clothing for the weather (especially for adolescents)

Don't forget simple preventive measures for ARIs: isolating the patient as much as possible, ensuring proper ventilation, and disinfecting surfaces.

Consultant for Pediatrics at the Ministry of Health, Sergey Sargsyan
 

*Material from the Ministry of Health website.