The current peak season for respiratory infections in children continues to see viruses and Mycoplasma pneumoniae as the primary pathogens, with the influenza virus emerging as the most prevalent. During a press conference held by the National Health Commission (NHC) on Sunday, medical professionals urged parents to keep their children at home if they contract influenza.
Symptoms and Course of Illness
Children with influenza typically present with fever, often accompanied by symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, and general discomfort. Respiratory symptoms like cough, sore throat, and runny nose are also common, explained Wang Quan, a chief physician at Beijing Children’s Hospital, during the event, as reported by CCTV News.
In some cases, children may exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms more prominently than adults, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a reduced appetite, Wang noted.
For most pediatric influenza cases, the illness follows an acute, self-limiting course. Fever generally subsides within two to three days, and full recovery is achieved in about a week. However, some children may experience prolonged coughing or lingering fatigue and weakness.
Treatment Recommendations
Parents are advised to focus on antiviral and symptomatic treatments if their child contracts influenza. Specific antiviral medications designed for children are available and should be administered promptly—ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset—under medical supervision, according to CCTV News.
Experts reiterated that antibiotics are not effective against the influenza virus and should not be used for its treatment.
H1N1 Influenza Dominates
A report from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that between December 23 and December 29, 2024, 99.6% of influenza-positive samples in China’s southern and northern regions were identified as H1N1 influenza, according to Health Times, a publication affiliated with the People’s Daily.
Severity and Prevention
Although the proportion of severe pneumonia cases caused by influenza has slightly increased compared to previous years, experts emphasized that the overall incidence remains low. Early treatment initiation is crucial to ensure a swift recovery, they advised.
