As the responsible pediatrician for the Mikros Maestros daycare and kindergarten, I would like to take this opportunity to reach out to you regarding the increasing symptoms of viral infections and bacterial illnesses that have been on the rise in recent days. Many of you may have already heard from the daycare and kindergarten that a significant number of preschool-age children, and not only, are experiencing coughing, severe nasal congestion, and runny nose, with or without fever.

In most cases, the diagnosis is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose, ears, throat) and/or the lower respiratory tract (larynx, lungs). In some cases, a throat swab culture confirms the presence of streptococcal tonsillitis, which requires antibiotic treatment.

Given these circumstances, it is important to be stricter about keeping children at home when they show symptoms. As a general rule:

• Any child with a fever (T>37.9°C) should stay at home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours (T<37.5°C).
• Any child with severe nasal congestion and runny nose, requiring frequent nose-blowing or wiping (more than 5 times per hour), or exhibiting a productive or paroxysmal dry cough, excessive tearing, or eye discharge, should remain at home.
• Additionally, if a child is more tired than usual, prefers to lie down, or has trouble participating in activities, they should stay at home until their symptoms improve enough for them to fully engage in daily activities.

This is yet another challenging period, as March and April are traditionally months with the highest frequency of respiratory infections. However, with a little patience and caution, we can navigate this season without serious complications.

Let us always keep in mind that what may seem easy for us might not be the same for everyone, and for some of our fellow human beings, it may be incredibly difficult.

Christina Magnisali – Bougioukli
Pediatrician, Ph.D. in Pediatric Pulmonology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki