4-Year-Old's Death from Flu: Watch Out for Symptoms and Prevention Measures

Following the tragic death of a four-year-old girl from influenza A, infectious disease specialist and pediatrician Maria Koliou emphasized the need for vigilance regarding symptoms and preventive measures.

Koliou told the Cyprus News Agency (CYPE) that the flu has shown unpredictable behavior in recent years, and referred to its potential serious complications, such as encephalitis or sepsis, even in healthy children.

Common symptoms include cough, nasal congestion, sneezing, severe weakness, bone and joint pain, and in some cases diarrhea in young children.

The doctor stressed the importance of vaccination for children aged 6 months to 5 years, as well as for people over 60, people with chronic diseases, and pregnant women in the third trimester. According to her, the vaccine protects against severe illness.

Prevention measures include avoiding crowds, ensuring good ventilation of spaces, practicing hand hygiene, and avoiding contact between healthy individuals and patients. Patients should use a tissue when coughing or sneezing and stay home for at least 1-2 days after the fever subsides.

Dr. Koliou stressed the need for parents to be conscientious and not send sick children to school.