File picture used for representation
As common viral infections are on an increase among children with the advent of cooler months in Qatar, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has cautioned against misuse of antibiotics.
Upper respiratory infections are common among school going children in Qatar and they increase during the winter months from November to February, said Dr. Shihab M Ameen Al Barazanji, Consultant at Pediatric Emergency in Al Wakrah Hospital.
“Children present with common flu, cold, fever and cough and the source of infection is vital and transmitted through air. Sometimes it could progress to severe stage but usually will settle with simple medication not antibiotics,” Dr. Al Barazanji said while speaking to media persons yesterday.
“Antibiotics are an important tool in relieving symptoms of bacterial infections and can help patients recover faster, not viral infections. When the virus has caused infection and it will just run its course. Some parents are worried, so they push the doctor to give the child an antibiotic and the doctor prescribes. Here both parents and the doctor are wrong. Antibiotics are not necessary for the majority of infections seen in the paediatric settings.
Parent’s pressure can influence a doctor’s decision about using antibiotics,” he added.
He also emphasised that in such situations children will be consuming antibiotics when there is no need and they fall into the risk of developing resistance to antibiotics, which is dangerous.
“We at Hamad Medical Corporation work to educate the community not to take antibiotics when not needed. We notice some awareness among parents about antibiotic use, but it has to be increased,” said Dr. Al Barazanji.
Although respiratory infections cannot be avoided, there are some measures that can help prevent complications and will contribute to the proper management of these diseases.
Dr Shihab M Ameen Al Barazanji, Consultant at Pediatric Emergency in Al Wakrah Hospital.
Dr. Al Barazanji, who is also Assistant Professor in General Pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, provided some advice in this regard.
“Children older than six months should get the flu vaccine during the first months of the cold season as it takes approximately three weeks to provide the immunity needed against flu infections, and it is supposed to be specific for different regions in the world,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining personal hygiene of children including washing their hands.
Once the children are infected must consult a doctor, follow the instructions, avoid sending them to school, give more fluids and keep the children warm,” he added.
Gastroenteritis — an infection of the gut is another common disease among children in Qatar, according to Dr. Al Barazanji.
It causes diarrhoea and may also cause symptoms such as being sick (vomiting) and tummy (abdominal) pain. In most cases the infection clears within a few days, but sometimes it takes longer. The main risk is lack of fluid in the body (dehydration),” said Dr Al Barazanji.
“Gastroenteritis also does not need antibiotics. Keeping children hydrated is the most important. Simple foods like toast or bananas, which are rich in potassium is necessary for maintaining proper bowel activity,” he said.
