As the spread of the new corona infection continues, there is growing concern about influenza infection, which is feared to be a simultaneous epidemic, and the number of children visiting pediatric fever outpatient clinics at hospitals in Chiba Prefecture is increasing.
At the hospital, we ask that you do not hesitate to consult us if you have any unusual symptoms, but if you are unsure about your child's symptoms, we are calling for you to use the dedicated telephone consultation desk.
At the pediatric fever outpatient clinic at the Narita Hospital of the International University of Health and Welfare in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, the number of children visiting the hospital, which had been declining since the 7th wave, began to increase again from October. It's been a lot.
In addition to conspicuous infections at schools and homes, the number of patients with other infectious diseases such as respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus is increasing, so it is becoming more difficult to identify cases based on fever symptoms alone.
A 3-year-old boy who was examined last month had a fever after a child he was playing with was infected with Corona, but as a result of the test, the corona was negative and he was diagnosed with a normal cold.
The mother said, ``I was worried that it might be corona or influenza because my child was still small and I didn't know the detailed symptoms.''
According to the hospital, this winter, due to concerns about the simultaneous epidemic of the new corona and influenza, there are many cases where people are worried about sudden changes in physical condition after fever.
In addition, it is sometimes difficult for children to use a test kit that inserts a cotton swab into their nose, and many parents ask for a doctor's examination and diagnosis.
On the other hand, I am concerned that if hospitals are overwhelmed with appointments like during the 7th wave, some children may not be able to see a fever outpatient clinic even if they want to.
Katsunori Fujii, Head of Pediatrics at International University of Health and Welfare Narita Hospital, said, "If you have symptoms that are different from usual, such as breathing problems or convulsions, please don't hesitate to see a doctor. It is also possible to rest at home while using antipyretics.If you are unsure, please consult your family's medical institution and use the telephone counseling service to respond to changes in your child's physical condition." .
Increase in the number of applicants for influenza vaccination
According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, due to concerns about the flu epidemic this season, the supply of vaccines for adults is expected to be shipped at a record high of 70.42 million doses.
At this hospital, the number of applicants for influenza vaccination has been increasing since the latter half of last month, and reservations are being filled until the first half of January in the new year.
The mother of a 1-year-old girl who was vaccinated said, ``I heard that influenza was prevalent in Europe and the United States this year, so I'm worried about the feeling of anxiety and the simultaneous epidemic with Corona. I think that the symptoms will also appear, and I don't want to see my child suffer, so I thought I'd take it in order to prevent it from getting worse."
What should I do when my child has a fever?
What should I do when my child has a fever?
We asked Dr. Katsunori Fujii, Head of Pediatrics at International University of Health and Welfare Narita Hospital.
If only fever
The important thing is to determine whether the condition when you have a fever is different from before.
Even if he has a fever, he is in a good mood and does not seem to be in pain.
Drinking water and being able to breastfeed.
If you are sleeping normally, there is no need to rush to see a doctor.
It means that you can rest at home without panicking, give a commercially available antipyretic, etc. according to your age, and see how it goes.
If things are different from usual, consider seeing a doctor
On the other hand, you need to be careful if you can't drink water or milk, or if you're peeing less, or if you're not feeling well. .
Even if you have a convulsion, some children have such symptoms from the past, but first of all, I would like you to consult with your family's medical institution and see a doctor.
And if the patient does not respond to calls, is unconscious, has obvious convulsions, repeats vomiting, or is sleepy and exhausted, consider calling an ambulance.
When in doubt
Even at a family medical institution, there are cases where the phone cannot be connected immediately or the patient cannot see a doctor.
If consultation is difficult or you are unsure about your decision, there is a telephone consultation service that will give you detailed information about your child's symptoms and necessary measures.
▽#7119 (Emergency Request Consultation)
Call when you are worried or hesitant about whether you should go to the hospital immediately or call an ambulance.
▽#8000 (Children's Medical Consultation)
Called when parents are unsure about how to respond to their child's symptoms, or when they want to learn more about coping methods at home and observation points for their condition.
In addition, there are telephone consultation desks of local governments, and the implementation status and reception hours differ depending on the local government and region, so please check.