Colombo, Oct. 15 (Daily Mirror) - With influenza cases on the rise and entire families falling sick, parents have been urged to watch for warning signs in children and seek medical attention without delay when symptoms worsen.
Consultant Paediatrician at Base Hospital Marawila Dr. Maheshaka Wijayawardena told Daily Mirror that influenza activity in Sri Lanka traditionally increases during April to June and November to January, with the virus spreading rapidly among children attending schools, preschools and daycare centres.
“We are currently seeing an increasing number of influenza patients, with whole families getting affected,” he said.
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is caused mainly by influenza A and B viruses and spreads through respiratory particles released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Symptoms generally develop within one to four days of exposure.
The infection often begins suddenly, with fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, body aches and fatigue. Children may also experience poor appetite, vomiting or diarrhoea.
While most children recover within a week, some can develop serious complications, including pneumonia and, rarely, inflammation of the brain or heart.
However, Dr. Wijayawardena warned parents against assuming that every child with fever and a cough has influenza, as other potentially serious infections can present with similar symptoms.
COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses can cause similar symptoms, while dengue and chikungunya must also be considered in Sri Lanka.
Dengue requires particular attention because a child's condition can deteriorate even as the fever subsides. Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, unusual drowsiness, cold extremities and breathing difficulties warrant urgent medical assessment.
A falling temperature does not necessarily mean a child is recovering, and parents should remain alert to changes in the child's overall condition.
Children under two years of age, particularly infants, and those with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems face a greater risk of complications. Parents should seek medical advice early if these children develop flu-like symptoms.
Difficulty breathing, chest indrawing, confusion, seizures, bluish lips, repeated vomiting, an inability to drink and reduced urine output are among the warning signs that require urgent medical attention. Young infants with fever should also be assessed promptly.
For otherwise healthy children with mild influenza, treatment at home generally involves adequate rest, fluids and nutritious food. Paracetamol may be given at the appropriate dose according to the child's weight, but aspirin should not be given to children with flu-like illnesses.
Antibiotics do not treat influenza because it is caused by a virus. Antiviral medicines such as oseltamivir may be recommended by a doctor for children with severe illness or those at increased risk of complications. Early treatment is particularly important in such cases.
Dr. Wijayawardena advised parents to keep children with fever or significant respiratory symptoms at home until they have recovered sufficiently to return to school.
Regular handwashing, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, improving ventilation and avoiding close contact with sick people can help reduce transmission. Children should also avoid sharing drinking bottles and other personal items.
Seasonal influenza vaccines are available through the private healthcare sector in Sri Lanka. Annual vaccination can reduce the risk of influenza and its complications, and parents should consult a medical practitioner about vaccination, particularly for children with underlying health conditions.
Although most children recover without complications, Dr. Wijayawardena stressed the importance of recognising warning signs and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use.