There is an increase in the spread of influenza and dengue among children in Sri Lanka, Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) for Children, consultant paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera revealed.
Dr. Perera pointed out that there was a significant spread of a virus with symptoms of high fever among young children at present.
“There are a number of fever-related illnesses spreading among children. There is a significant spread of influenza, illnesses with symptoms similar to influenza, and dengue,” he revealed.
Dr. Perera further said that fever, cough, and phlegm are the common symptoms of influenza, while some tend to vomit.
Stating that similar symptoms can also be seen in other viruses, he urged parents of children showing such symptoms to keep the child at home, allow them to rest and eat well, and treat them with an appropriate dose of paracetamol.
The consultant paediatrician also advised those required to step outdoors to wear face masks and also urged those infected with the virus to wear a mask while at home to prevent the spread of the virus to other persons at home.
“If there are children at Montessori and daycare centres with such virus symptoms, it is advisable to keep your child at home,” he said.
Dr. Perera also urged caution, stating that if the fever persists for more than two days, this could be a sign of dengue.
Thereby, he urged parents to immediately obtain a full blood test if the fever persists for over three days and obtain a doctor’s advice. (NewsWire)