Do not send children anywhere if they have cold-like symptoms

The influenza virus is spreading rapidly among children, and Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) consultant pediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera advised parents not to send their children to schools, private classes, or child care centres if they suffer from high fever, cough, cold, or breathing problems.

He said the virus is currently spreading at schools, private classes, and child care centers.

If a child exhibits these symptoms, they can quickly spread to other family members. He requested that the parents keep those children at home and provide paracetamol doses following the recommendations of a doctor, liquid fluid, and the rest.

If children suffer from respiratory problems, it is better to take them to the nearest hospital for treatment, as they can suffer from pneumonia. Therefore, it is better to prevent infecting the virus.

It is better to wear face masks at home, even for influenza infected people, to prevent the possible spreading among other members. Dr.Perera requested that you clean your hands every time and not touch your face all the time to prevent infecting the virus.

The influenza virus is similar to the COVID-19 virus, and it has the ability to spread rapidly among people. (Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama)