With the start of autumn, children are more susceptible to contracting ARVI and influenza, so it is crucial for parents not only to follow preventive measures but also to properly care for a sick child. The Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan has provided information on how to minimize the risk of infection, which symptoms require close attention, and explained why antibiotics should never be taken independently during viral infections.
Autumn weather conditions promote the wider spread of viruses. Due to the cold, windows and doors often remain closed, ventilation in rooms decreases, and children are constantly in contact with each other in kindergartens and schools.
To reduce the probability of infection, the Ministry of Health advises teaching children from an early age to wash their hands regularly with soap, avoid close contact with sick people, and dress according to the weather. If the first signs of a cold appear in a child, it is better to keep them home; this will allow them to recover and prevent the spread of infection among others.
Lifestyle also plays a significant role. A child's diet should be varied and include dairy products, meat, fish, legumes, as well as vegetables and fruits. At the same time, consumption of sweets, chips, crackers, as well as carbonated and energy drinks should be limited. Adequate sleep and maintaining a stable daily routine are equally important, and it is advisable to reduce the use of phones and tablets before bedtime.
Why special attention must be paid to the flu
Influenza is characterized by rapid spread and can potentially lead to serious complications. Typically, the first signs of illness appear one to four days after infection. The onset of the illness is often sudden: an increase in temperature, the appearance of cough, general weakness, as well as pain in muscles, joints, and throat are observed.
Extra vigilance should be exercised when monitoring young children. In severe cases of influenza, conditions such as difficulty breathing, dehydration, and loss of appetite may occur. Possible complications of influenza include pneumonia, otitis, sinusitis, and meningitis.
Vaccination is one of the most effective methods of prevention, as it helps reduce the risk of severe illness and complications from the flu. Before getting vaccinated, the Ministry of Health strongly recommends consulting a family doctor.
What to do if a child gets sick
In most cases of common ARVI, home care is sufficient. It is necessary to offer the child fluids in small portions more often, ventilate the room regularly, and ensure that they do not overheat. If the nose is stuffy, saline solutions can be used. You do not need to force the child to eat; it is enough to offer light food appropriate for their age. Infants are recommended to maintain frequent breastfeeding.
Furthermore, self-prescribing antibiotics is unacceptable. Since ARVI is caused by viruses, and antibiotics are designed to fight bacteria, they are ineffective against viral infections. Uncontrolled use of these drugs can trigger side effects and other complications.
During illness, it is also recommended to limit the consumption of fatty, fried foods, fast food, and large amounts of sweets. Fruits and vegetables should not be excluded from the diet, and dairy products do not pose a threat to most children. The main condition is ensuring an adequate fluid intake.
When to see a doctor
When the temperature is high, it is important to assess not only the thermometer readings but also the child's general well-being. The Ministry of Health indicates that antipyretic drugs, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, are used for high fever, but their dosage must be calculated based on the child's age and body weight.
It is necessary to seek medical help immediately if the child's condition worsens, if there is severe shortness of breath, breathing becomes difficult or rapid, if there is severe drowsiness, the child refuses food or breast, or behaves unusually restlessly.
Parents are also advised to avoid dangerous treatment practices: the throat should not be treated with iodine or other aggressive substances, various medications should not be mixed independently, or injections given without a specialist's prescription. Smoking the room with incense or any other smoke-producing means is also forbidden, as this can irritate the respiratory tract and worsen coughing.
When a child has a high temperature, they should not be wrapped in several layers of clothing or thick blankets; it is preferable to dress them lightly and maintain a comfortable room temperature.
The main preventive measures include hand hygiene, balanced nutrition and sleep, regular ventilation, dressing according to the weather, and vaccination. If a child falls ill, it is critically important to refrain from self-medication and closely monitor their condition.
It should be noted that at the beginning of 2026, the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan recorded a sharp deterioration in the epidemiological situation. According to data from the national bulletin for the second week of the year, the incidence of ARVI increased by 1.9 times, and the number of acute pneumonia cases exceeded double the indicator.