Pay attention to respiratory health when returning to school!

With the end of summer vacation, millions of students have returned to school. The Turkish Respiratory Research Association (TÜSAD) noted an increase in respiratory illnesses, particularly in children, due to crowded environments and closed classrooms, and warned against flu, cold, pneumonia, and asthma attacks, which are particularly prevalent in the fall and winter months.

Reminding that children’s health should be monitored more meticulously than ever, especially during seasonal transitions, TÜSAD Pediatric Chest Diseases Coordination Board Chair Prof. Dr. Ayşe Tana Aslan said, “Due to the large number of children being together in closed environments during school hours, diseases such as colds, flu, Covid-19, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) can spread more quickly.”

INCREASES INFECTION Prof. Dr. Aslan emphasized that frequent contact, inadequate ventilation, and lack of hygiene increase the transmission of viruses, saying, "Diseases can occur in autumn and winter, especially in children with weak immune systems. Furthermore, during seasonal transitions, an increase in symptoms in children with asthma can be observed due to allergens, dirty environments, and infections."

DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL IF THEY ARE SICK! Prof. Dr. Aslan stated that symptoms such as cough, fever, and fatigue should be taken into consideration during school term and issued the following warnings: "Children should not be sent to school if these symptoms appear; they should be consulted immediately to a healthcare provider. There is a risk of rapid spread of respiratory infections in children in the fall. Early diagnosis and proper treatment prevent serious illnesses. Don't neglect precautions to protect your children's respiratory health."

HOW WILL WE PROTECT IT? Prof. Dr. Aslan offered the following suggestions for preventing infectious diseases:

Hygiene rules should be followed. Hands should be washed frequently, and crowded environments should be avoided as much as possible.

Children's exposure to passive smoking should be prevented. Closed spaces should be ventilated frequently. The immune system should be supported by a diet rich in vitamins and minerals. In order to protect children at risk, flu (influenza) and pneumonia (pneumococcal) vaccinations should not be neglected. In cases of high fever, shortness of breath, or persistent cough, a doctor should be consulted without delay. Sick children should not be sent to school. They should continue to attend school after recovery.