As autumn sets in, children become more susceptible to acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) and influenza, prompting Uzbekistan's Ministry of Health to release comprehensive recommendations for parents on prevention and proper care of sick children. The cooler weather leads to closed windows, less frequent ventilation, and increased close contact among children in schools and kindergartens, creating favorable conditions for virus transmission. The ministry emphasized that reducing infection risk starts with instilling good habits from an early age, such as regular handwashing with soap, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and dressing appropriately for the weather. At the first sign of a cold, keeping the child at home is advised to aid recovery and prevent spreading the virus to others.
Lifestyle factors also play a crucial role in boosting immunity. The ministry recommends a diverse diet rich in vegetables, fruits, dairy products, eggs, meat, fish, and legumes, while limiting sweets, chips, crackers, sugary and energy drinks. Adequate sleep and a consistent daily routine are equally important, with reduced screen time before bed. Influenza, in particular, is highlighted for its rapid spread and potential for serious complications. Symptoms typically appear 1–4 days after infection and often begin abruptly with fever, cough, weakness, headache, muscle and joint pain, and sore throat. Young children require special attention, as severe cases can lead to difficulty breathing, dehydration, and loss of appetite. Complications may include pneumonia, otitis, sinusitis, meningitis, and other conditions. Vaccination remains a key preventive measure, reducing the risk of severe illness and complications, though consulting a family doctor beforehand is advised.
For ordinary ARVI, home care is usually sufficient. Parents should ensure frequent small amounts of fluids, regular room ventilation, and avoid overheating. Saline solutions can help with nasal congestion. Forcing a child to eat is unnecessary; offering light, age-appropriate food is enough, and infants should be breastfed more often. Importantly, antibiotics should never be given without a doctor's prescription, as they target bacteria and are ineffective against viral infections; unsupervised use can cause side effects and complications. During illness, it's advisable to limit excessive sweets, fatty and fried foods, and fast food. Fruits and vegetables need not be excluded, and dairy products are generally safe for most children. The key is ensuring adequate fluid intake.
When fever is high, parents should monitor not just the temperature but the child's overall condition. The ministry notes that antipyretics like paracetamol or ibuprofen should be used based on the child's age and weight. Medical help should be sought if the condition worsens, with symptoms such as severe shortness of breath, difficulty or rapid breathing, extreme drowsiness, refusal to eat or breastfeed, or unusual restlessness. Parents are warned against dangerous home remedies: do not treat the throat with iodine or other harsh substances, do not mix medications on your own, and do not give injections without a doctor's prescription. Fumigating the room with isirik or other smoke-producing substances can irritate the respiratory tract and worsen coughing. When fever is present, avoid bundling the child in multiple layers of clothing and thick blankets; instead, dress them lightly and maintain a comfortable room temperature.
The main preventive measures are simple: hand hygiene, proper nutrition and sleep, regular ventilation, weather-appropriate clothing, and vaccination. If a child falls ill, avoiding self-medication and closely monitoring their condition is crucial. It is worth recalling that in early 2026, Uzbekistan's Ministry of Health recorded a sharp exacerbation of the epidemic situation. According to the national bulletin for the second week of the year, ARVI incidence increased 1.9 times, and cases of acute pneumonia more than doubled.
Source: podrobno.uz