Every second child has an infection: Meuhedet raises alarm

Meuhedet health maintenance organization reports an unusual rise in respiratory viral infections among children: every second child who sought help in the past month was diagnosed with such an infection. Dr. Shiri Barkan Perl notes that such an increase is usually expected in winter, not in August, and this year infections began already in mid-July. The article provides recommendations on how to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one, when to see a doctor, and how to ease a cough.

Meuhedet health maintenance organization reports an unusual rise in respiratory viral infections among children. According to clinic data, every second child who sought help in the past month was diagnosed with such an infection. Dr. Shiri Barkan Perl, a pediatrician and head of pediatrics at Meuhedet, notes that such an increase is usually expected in winter, not in August. This year, infections began already in mid-July, earlier than usual. The doctor comments on the common belief about the connection with air conditioners, but emphasizes that not every summer sees such a number of viruses at such an early stage. The article also explains how to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial sore throat, when to see a doctor, and provides recommendations for treating a cough. The doctor advises parents to pay attention not only to temperature but also to the child's behavior, and to contact a pediatrician immediately if breathing is difficult.