Increase in viral flu similar to influenza among children

• There is no need to admit patients with mild symptoms to hospitals

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama  

There is an increase in the viral flu infection among children with similar or influenza-like infectious illnesses, Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) consultant paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera said.  

He said symptoms like respiratory problems, cough, cold, fever, runny nose, blocked nose, and sometimes vomiting might be found.  
“This respiratory tract viral infection will infect children from the age of seven or eight months up to seven or eight years,” he said.  

There is no need to admit patients with mild symptoms to hospitals. With the mild symptoms, those infected children can manage at home, Dr. Perera added.  

“It is better to use masks if there are symptoms, and it is better not to send those children to school or daycare centres. If the infected children are having difficulty in breathing, vomiting, or are dehydrated, it is better to go to a hospital,” he said.  

If we checked those infected children, they might test positive for influenza and other viral infections like para-influenza and adenoviruses. Even after the infection, the children might get a post-viral cough for a longer period, which can spread among all family members.  

These infections have increased due to the cold weather and rainy conditions in the country, he said.  

However, there is a decrease in COVID infections among children. Only two COVID-infected patients are receiving treatment at the LRH.  

“There are 15 dengue positive patients receiving treatment at the LRH. The spread of the dengue virus, on the other hand, has increased. There are patients suffering from severe dengue infections, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever,” the paediatrician added. 

• This respiratory tract viral infection will infect children from the age of seven or eight months up to seven or eight years
• These infections have increased due to the cold weather and rainy conditions in the country