As a part of the #OPENFamilyEducation initiative, Knarik Sukiasyan, one of our pediatricians, has shared interesting facts about thermometers and temperature measurement. Listen to the specialist and remember that taking your child’s body temperature using your palm is simply wrong.

  The specialists of the “Arabkir” medical center have joined the #OPENFamlilyEducation project to provide advice, raising parent awareness, and assisting with quick and correct orientation in case their child has health issues. Pediatrician Hasmik Vardanyan will discuss acute laryngotracheitis, commonly known in Armenia as “false croup”.  

  Despite facing a surge in acute respiratory infections, our doctors have still found time to respond to journalists from various media outlets. The objective is to empower parents with information, ensuring that decisions concerning their child’s health are sensible, accurate and timely.   Anahit Sarukhanyan, a pediatrician from the Reception and Emergency Department, addressed questions from “Armlur”.

  The subject of acute respiratory infections was addressed by Public TV. Meri Marandyan, a pediatrician from the Reception and Emergency Department at the “Arabkir” medical center, provided answers to inquiries.   Listen attentively, stay informed and learn to effectively manage such situations with the appropriate steps. “Arabkir” Medical Center is currently experiencing a significant surge of visitors. The high activity in admissions is attributed to acute respiratory infections typical of the season.   Pediatrician Mary Mardanyan explains, “Most children are admitted already desaturated, exhibiting a bronchiolitis pattern, which is considered as 100% indication for admission to the hospital. This influx is due to the fact that a large percentage of cases involve babies who are oxygen-dependent and require intensive monitoring in hospital conditions.”   The medical center receives almost 120-125 patients daily, with influenza types A and B being prevalent among children.   The doctor advises, “I recommend that all children exhibiting symptoms characteristic of the virus, their parents should, first of all, contact the local pediatrician. The pediatrician will assess the child's condition and, if necessary, provide a referral for the hospital treatment. This approach will reduce both hospital referrals and the primary care/hospital stay of those children who really need us.” While October to May is considered the season for acute respiratory infections in Armenia, there has been a noticeable increase in morbidity in recent days. Romella Abovyan, head of the Department of Epidemiology of Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases at the National Center of Disease Control of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia, states, “We are observing cases of influenza A with all its subtypes, circulating influenza B, and other respiratory viral infections such as parainfluenza, adenovirus, respiratory-syncytial (RS) virus, rhinovirus. Additionally, there are recorded cases of co-infections, where a person has multiple viruses simultaneously, like adenovirus with rhinovirus. This naturally complicates the clinical course further. As of the 8th January, we have recorded 1,547 cases in primary care, with 1,105 cases among 0-18-year-olds, constituting 71% of the total cases”.   In other words, compared to the previous day, the number of admissions increased by 1.8 times, compared to the same day last year, it rose by 4.9 times. Daily analysis revealed an increase in both emergency calls and hospitalizations.   Mrs. Abovyan reports, “There were 216 calls, of which 61 were among 0-18-year-olds, constituting 36% of total cases. Additionally, 24 emergency calls for pneumonia were registered, with 3 among 0-18-year-olds.”   As of January 8, 749 patients were hospitalized, marking an increase of 170 from the previous day. Abovyan attributes the sharp increase to people not seeking medical care during weekends.   Romella Abovyan emphasizes, “The Ministry of Health urges people to get vaccinated against the flu. This helps to make the disease easier to bear even if infected, and it’s important to avoid crowded places.”   In case of symptoms, avoid sending children to school and preschool, and consider wearing masks.

  Tamara Chagharyan, a pediatrician from the Reception and Emergency Department at the “Arabkir” medical center, responded to inquiries from “Epikentron” regarding acute respiratory infections.  In winter, acute respiratory viruses become active, with high infectivity primarily through the droplet route. Children constitute the most vulnerable group, accounting for 70% of infected individuals, according to the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention.   Especially during holidays, medical institutions operated with an overcrowded schedule. Viruses tend to spread, particularly during New Year's Eve visits to each other's homes. Pediatrician Tamara Chagharyan notes, “We have a significant increase in respiratory virus cases. While I wouldn't assert that this year's morbidity is higher than previous years - December, January, and February have always been burdened with acute respiratory viruses. Currently, diseases caused by the influenza A subtype virus are prevalent. Additionally, we are seeing frequent cases of respiratory syncytial virus infection.  Though less common among children, confirmed cases of Coronavirus infection are also present.    Common symptoms of the virus include fever, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, general weakness and nasal congestion. To avoid complications, the pediatrician from the emergency department at the “Arabkir” Medical Complex advises parents against self-medication.   “It is advisable to contact the local pediatrician at the first signs of illness for appropriate advice. If there are symptoms requiring hospitalization, arrangements for the child’s referral to pediatric inpatient care are organized,” says Dr. Chagharyan.    6-year-old Ararat, currently receiving inpatient treatment, has managed to make friends with the other children in the ward in just a few days. Despite not complaining about the symptoms, he feels saddened to bid farewell to his newfound friends too soon.   Ararat expresses, “My friends left, but I stayed.”   The most effective method to avoid and prevent seasonal viruses is vaccination for both adults and children, emphasizes the pediatrician.   “Every year, starting from October and November, parents can apply to the regional polyclinic. Both children and adults should be vaccinated against influenza A and B subtypes. Another preventive method is to minimize contact with patients, frequently disinfect hands, and ventilate closed spaces.”   According to the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as of January 7, 579 citizens have been hospitalized, with 90% of them being children under 18 years old. Among those transferred to medical centers, 181 were diagnosed with pneumonia. No deaths from the virus have been reported in the last 10 days. With the start of the academic year, experts predict an increase in the disease.

Dear Pediatricians,   Happy Pediatrician's Day! Your dedication and care for our children are invaluable. The heartfelt drawings adorning the walls of your rooms stand as a testament to the unwavering love and trust your little patients have for you—a trust that serves as the best medicine.    May your health be robust as you continue to heal and nurture our children. Embrace the pure love they radiate, finding joy in every moment of care.

As part of an ongoing collaboration, specialists from the University Children's Hospital of Zurich recently visited the "Arabkir" Medical Center. The delegation included George Shtabuli, the head of the emergency medical service, along with nurses Neila Paioni and Stephanie Davidson. The visit featured productive meetings with colleagues from "Arabkir", which involved active discussions, case observations, comparison of medical approaches, lectures, and, of course, exchange of practical skills and project ideas. Specialists from the reception and emergency medical departments, as well as other pediatric departments, had the opportunity to share their experiences with George Shtabuli, Neila and Stephanie.   The lectures delivered by George Shtabuli and Neila Paioni's on topics such as fever in babies, pain management and triage sparked active questions and discussions. According to doctors, such meetings have a highly positive impact, particularly on the professional development of young healthcare professionals.