As parents, we often find ourselves juggling multiple concerns when it comes to our children's health. One of the most confusing challenges is differentiating between illnesses like influenza, common viruses, and pneumonia—each posing unique risks to our little ones. Understanding these differences isn't just about knowing which symptoms to watch out for; it's about being equipped to take the right steps in prevention and treatment. We spoke to Dr Santosh N, MBBS, MD (Paediatrics), Senior Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist, Apollo Cradle and Children’s Hospital, Jayanagar, Bangalore, who explained differences between these health conditions and how to keep your child safe and healthy.
Influenza in Children
“Influenza, also called the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. The flu mainly affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Children are not able to fight the flu well because their immune systems are still developing, and they often come in contact with many germs at schools and daycare centres,” said Dr Santosh.
Here are some symptoms of influenza in children, as listed by the expert:
- Symptoms: Abrupt rise in fever, chills, muscle pain, and sore throat with cough. Children show additional gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
- Transmission: Direct transmission through respiratory droplets when a person infected with the virus coughs or sneezes.
- Prevention: Annual vaccinations against flu are the best way to prevent influenza. Good hygiene, frequent hand washing and keeping tissues handy to cover the mouth and nose when sneezing will also help in preventing transmission.
- Complications: In severe cases, the flu can result in complications, such as pneumonia, dehydration, and aggravation of underlying chronic medical conditions.
Common Respiratory Viruses in Children
“Respiratory viruses are among the most common types of illnesses in children. Besides the influenza virus, other viruses like the respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, and adenovirus infect children often, when the weather turns cool,” added Dr Santosh.
- Symptoms: Symptoms are variable depending on the virus, but often a runny or stuffy nose, cough, fever, and sore throat; Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can cause serious bronchiolitis in infants.
- Transmission: Similar to flu, these viruses are spread through respiratory droplets and by direct contact with contaminated surfaces.
- Prevention: Specific vaccinations for some of these viruses exist against flu, but the general preventive measures include good hand hygiene, keeping away from close contact with people having illnesses, and frequent cleaning.
- Complications: While most infections are self-limiting, some may result in more serious conditions, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia, particularly in young children and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Pneumonia in Children
Pneumonia is an infection that causes the air sacs in the lungs to fill with fluid or pus. It may be caused by many different organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
- Symptoms: Include a non-stop cough, fever, chills, rapid breathing, and shortness of breath. Kids with severe illness might have a bluish colour around the lips and skin, which is called cyanosis and is a result of too little oxygen in the blood.
- Prevention: Certain vaccines can prevent bacterial pneumonia. Further, good respiratory hygiene and proper treatment of respiratory infections can reduce the risk of pneumonia.
- Complications: Severe pneumonia may require hospitalisation, mostly in very young children. If not treated promptly pneumonia can cause lasting damage to the lungs.
According to the American Lung Association, influenza is a frequent cause of pneumonia, particularly in young children, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with specific chronic health conditions, or those residing in nursing homes. While most flu cases don't progress to pneumonia, those are typically more severe and potentially fatal.
Also Read: Pneumonia In Children: Expert Lists Danger Signs And How To Take Care Of Your Child
Key Differences between Influenza, Viruses, and Pneumonia
- Causative Agents: Specific influenza viruses cause influenza, whereas causative agents for viral infections range enormously. Pneumonia may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
- Symptoms: Influenza and the infection by viruses are presented with systemic symptoms like fever and aches, common colds caused by other viruses may have milder symptoms. On the other hand, pneumonia has more severe symptoms which cause lung and respiratory symptoms.
- Diagnosis: Influenza is usually clinically diagnosed and supplemented by Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDTs), while viral infections require specific tests depending on the suspected virus. On the other hand, pneumonia relies much on imaging and laboratory tests in diagnosis.
- Treatment: Influenza is treated with antiviral medications, while other viral infections may require variable antiviral treatment. Pneumonia, depending on the pathogen, requires treatment with antibiotics, antiviral, or antifungal agents.
Bottomline
Dr Santosh concluded, “Understanding the difference between these infections is very important for parents so that they can administer timely and appropriate care for the right illness. Consultation with paediatricians and following updates regarding vaccinations are some of the precautionary measures parents must take to protect the health of their children from such common but potentially serious diseases.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]