Keeping sick children at home and ensuring timely vaccination are among the most effective ways to curb influenza spread, particularly in schools and nurseries where close contact can accelerate transmission, a paediatric specialist said.
Prof Dr Mohamed A Hendaus, head of Paediatrics at The View Hospital and Qatar University in Doha, told Gulf Times that influenza can cause significant illness in children, ranging from fever, cough, sore throat and body aches to serious complications such as pneumonia and dehydration.
“Influenza is more than a common cold,” Hendaus said, urging parents, schools and the wider community to take the virus seriously.
Influenza A, including the H1N1 subtype, can spread rapidly in schools, nurseries, playgrounds and family gatherings. Infected children may also transmit the virus to siblings, parents, grandparents and other relatives, particularly those at increased risk of complications.
Hendaus said keeping children with a fever at home is one of the simplest ways to limit transmission, despite parents' concerns about missed school days, examinations, and work commitments.
Sending a child to school with a fever, particularly when accompanied by a cough, fatigue or body aches, puts classmates, teachers and school staff at risk.
“Administering paracetamol to reduce fever before school does not make a child non-contagious,” he said, explaining that fever-reducing medication may ease discomfort but does not eliminate the virus or prevent its spread.
Parents should keep children home when they have a fever or are too unwell to participate in normal school activities, he said, calling it a responsible way to protect the community.
Hendaus recommended annual influenza vaccination for everyone aged six months and older, unless medically contraindicated, noting that it reduces the risk of infection and severe illness.
“Although no vaccine offers complete protection, vaccination remains one of our most effective defences against serious influenza disease,” he said.
Parents should arrange vaccination for eligible children as early as possible in the influenza season, particularly those with chronic medical conditions.
Children younger than five, especially those under two, and those with asthma, heart disease, diabetes or weakened immunity may face a higher risk of complications. Families should consult their paediatrician about vaccination and additional preventive measures.
He also stressed the importance of everyday precautions, including regular handwashing with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, cleaning frequently touched surfaces and ensuring adequate ventilation at home and in classrooms.
Children who develop flu-like symptoms should rest at home, drink plenty of fluids and be monitored for worsening symptoms. Antibiotics do not treat influenza because a virus causes it, and healthcare professionals should guide medication decisions.
Hendaus urged parents to watch for dehydration, as fever increases fluid needs while illness may reduce how much children drink. Vomiting and diarrhoea can further increase the risk.
Warning signs include reduced urination, dry mouth, no tears when crying, and unusual lethargy. Urgent medical attention is necessary if a child experiences difficulty breathing, bluish or grey lips, severe or persistent chest pain, seizures, confusion, reduced responsiveness or significant dehydration.
Parents should also seek medical advice if a fever or cough improves but subsequently returns or worsens, according to Hendaus.
He noted that children with severe or progressive illness, those requiring hospitalisation and those at increased risk of complications may need antiviral treatment, which should begin as soon as possible when indicated.
Hendaus said schools can help prevent outbreaks through clear illness policies, good ventilation, hand hygiene and timely communication with parents. Healthcare professionals can reinforce vaccination and identify complications early, while employers can offer flexible arrangements to parents caring for sick children.
Combining vaccination, hygiene, early recognition of warning signs and keeping sick children at home can reduce transmission and help protect classrooms and families, he said.
