Rainy Season Alert! 3 Respiratory Diseases in Children: RSV and Influenza

During the rainy season, beware of 3 respiratory diseases in children that parents should not overlook.

The rainy season brings changing, humid, and cooler weather, making it easy for respiratory germs to spread, especially among young children whose immune systems are not yet fully developed and who often spend time together in poorly ventilated classrooms or indoors.

During the rainy season, there is a continuous surge in respiratory infections among children. Three common illnesses that require special monitoring are RSV, COVID-19, and Influenza A. All three conditions initially present with symptoms similar to a common cold, but some children may develop severe symptoms that require hospitalization. Having parents understand the risks, observe symptoms accurately, and take proactive steps to boost immunity are key factors in keeping your little ones safe throughout the rainy season.

3 Common Respiratory Diseases in Children

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

A major cause of respiratory infections in young children, especially those under 2 years old, this virus commonly spreads during the rainy season. Initial symptoms resemble a common cold, including fever, cough, and a runny nose. However, in young children, the infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract, causing bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Patients may experience shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and wheezing, requiring close monitoring and care.

COVID-19

Although the overall situation has improved, infections in children continue to be detected. Symptoms vary from mild flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, and a runny nose, to severe symptoms in some cases. Some children may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea or vomiting.

Influenza A

It causes a sudden high fever, body aches, severe fatigue, along with a cough, sore throat, and runny nose. Symptoms are usually more severe and develop faster than a common cold, and it spreads heavily during the rainy season. In young children and children with underlying medical conditions, it can lead to dangerous complications such as pneumonia.

Warning signs to take your child to see a doctor immediately

Parents should closely monitor symptoms, especially in young children. If the following symptoms are found, seek medical attention promptly.

• High continuous fever that does not go down even after taking fever-reducing medication
• Severe coughing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, or chest retractions
• Wheezing, pale or bluish lips, fingertips, or toes
• Eating and drinking less, lethargic, not as cheerful as usual
• Decreased urination and dry mouth, which are signs of dehydration

In young children, symptoms can deteriorate rapidly. Bringing them to see a doctor at the first warning signs will help reduce the risk of severe complications.

Why "Prevention through Vaccination" is More Important Than Treatment

Many families only start caring for their children after they fall ill, but preventing infection before it occurs is actually the safest and most cost-effective approach. Some pediatric respiratory illnesses, such as the flu, can rapidly progress to pneumonia and severe complications within just a few days, especially during the rainy season when pathogens spread heavily.

Vaccines help boost children's immunity, allowing their bodies to recognize and prepare to fight viruses in advance. Benefits parents will receive include:

• Reduces the risk of infection and helps lessen the severity of symptoms if infected.
• Reduces the risk of complications, such as pneumonia, that may require hospitalization.
• Reduce children's absenteeism and reduce the spread of infection to family members, especially the elderly and young children at home.
• Provide parents with peace of mind throughout the rainy season, when children are easily at risk of falling ill.

Recommended vaccines for children during the rainy season

• Influenza Vaccine An annual flu vaccine is recommended every year, especially before the onset of the rainy season when outbreaks occur, as the flu virus frequently changes its strains. Currently, both injectable and nasal spray options are available, making it suitable for children who are afraid of needles.
• Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (EV71) vaccine: another disease that spreads among young children gathered at school.
• RSV and COVID-19 vaccines should be considered according to the indications and age groups of children.

Vaccination should be done under the guidance of a pediatrician to select the appropriate type and schedule suitable for each child's age and health status.

Additional Prevention in Daily Life

In addition to vaccines, practicing good hygiene significantly helps reduce infections, especially during the rainy season.

• Train children to wash their hands regularly with soap or alcohol gel, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.
• Teach children to wear face masks when in crowded places.
• Avoid bringing children to crowded or poorly ventilated areas during an outbreak.
• Ensure children wear warm clothes and dry them immediately after getting wet from the rain.
• Ensure children get adequate rest and eat nutritious food from all 5 food groups to boost their immunity.

Guidelines for caring for your children when they are sick

• Ensure children get enough rest and sip water frequently to prevent dehydration.
• Sponge the body to reduce fever and administer fever-reducing medication as advised by a doctor or pharmacist.
• Regularly monitor the child's breathing pattern and their food and fluid intake.
• Isolate sick children from other household members and have them wear a face mask if possible to reduce the spread of infection.
• Parents should not buy antibiotics for children on their own, as these illnesses are caused by viruses; antibiotics are ineffective and may be harmful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do RSV and the flu differ? Both diseases have similar initial symptoms, but RSV is common in young children and often causes bronchiolitis, whereas the flu usually causes a sudden high fever and noticeable body aches. Confirmatory testing for the type of virus can be done at a hospital.

Is it true that the flu vaccine needs to be given every year? Yes, it is true, because the flu virus mutates every year. Therefore, annual vaccination helps ensure the body has immunity matching the strains circulating during that period, and it should be administered before the onset of the rainy season, which is the outbreak period.

At what age can young children start getting the flu vaccine? Generally, it can be given to children starting at 6 months of age, but you should consult a pediatrician to determine the appropriate type of vaccine and timing for each child.

Are vaccines available for all 3 diseases? The flu vaccine is recommended annually, while RSV and COVID-19 vaccines are available based on indications and age groups. Consult a pediatrician for appropriate advice.