With the onset of the cold season, children do not just catch colds but more often fall under the influence of viruses. How distinguish between ARVI and influenza, when to consult a doctor and whether to be vaccinated against influenza? A paediatrician and candidate of medical sciences Alexandra Lobzova gave us a few advice.

- How to distinguish between acute respiratory viral infection and flu?

- Acute respiratory viral infection is running acutely (within 3-5, in some cases up to 14 days), affects the respiratory system and is caused by viruses, including influenza. However, the infection caused by the influenza virus is more severe and more often causes complications. The most important distinguishing features of influenza are high fever, pronounced muscle and headache, joint pain, eye discomfort, severe weakness, absence or slight catarrhal phenomena (scanty discharge from the nose, but the nose is blocked), and dry cough. Influenza is also characterised by haemorrhagic complications, i.e. bleeding and haemorrhages, for this reason, possible nosebleeds and haemorrhages in the gums.

- What symptoms should we consult a doctor for?

In most cases of mild acute respiratory infections, the child's condition is not significantly affected. Of course, at the time of fever most often kids become lethargic and cranky and refuse to eat and do their usual activities. But as soon as the temperature is reduced by antipyretic medicines, the child returns to the usual way of life until the next rise in temperature. Paracetamol usually keeps the temperature below 38 for 2-3 hours, ibuprofen for 3-5 hours. I’d like to warn mums against trying to reduce the temperature to normal: it isn't necessary, and the moment of fever is also a way of coping with the virus.

In most cases, ARVI runs for 72 hours (three days), and on the fourth day of the disease, the child should get better: the temperature is not so high or rises not so often, and appetite and good mood return. If this does not happen, there is lethargy, shortness of breath, and refusal to eat and drink even against the background of a decrease in temperature, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

- Is it worth vaccinating a child against influenza?

Seasonal vaccination against influenza is recommended for children over 6 months of age, especially children attending childcare centres. According to research, vaccination is the most effective method of flu prevention, reducing the severity of the disease course and helping to reduce the risk of complications.

We should remember that vaccination against influenza is contraindicated in children under 6 months of age, in the presence of allergy to egg whites and patients during acute or exacerbation of chronic diseases.

If there is a small child in the family who does not attend preschool, it may be sufficient to vaccinate working parents, who could potentially be a source of infection for the child.

We thank Alexandra Vladimirovna for her help in preparing the material.