Parents urged to tighten supervision over children amidst Almaty health concerns
In a live, virtual conversation, renowned pediatric infectious disease expert Dr. Galia Kuttikozhanova stressed the importance of parents taking responsibility for shielding their children from illnesses and adhering to health guidelines during uncertain times. Speaking on a regional communication platform, as mentioned by Almaty.tv, she offered practical tips such as avoiding crowded places, limiting contact, wearing masks, avoiding street food, maintaining cleanliness, and strengthening immunity. In case of children experiencing complications, she urged against self-medicating and instead encouraged seeking professional medical advice.
Of particular concern is the emergence of a new syndrome, Kawasaki disease, since April. Though it's relatively unusual, Kawasaki disease can be severe. Potentially connected to COVID-19, this condition manifests as a persistent fever of at least five days, accompanied by symptoms such as eye redness, mouth and throat inflammation, swollen lips, a rash, nasal crusting, and swelling in the extremities and neck lymph nodes. It's crucial to identify these signs early to prevent potential heart problems. The expert advised against overusing antibiotics and suggested consulting a team of specialists, including infectious disease specialists, rheumatologists, cardiologists, and intensive care professionals if Kawasaki syndrome is suspected.
In terms of schooling, the doctor stated that 1st and 2nd graders could attend school in person due to the nature of their education, while other students, including those in 3rd and 4th grades, should continue remote learning.
Meanwhile, the authorities of Almaty city urged everyone to stick to sanitary and health guidelines. To minimize infection on school premises, children with chronic illnesses were advised to stay home. Children should not be accompanied to school by pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses, or people over the age of 65.
Kawasaki disease is a pediatric illness that primarily affects children under five years old. Among its main symptoms are prolonged fever, a rash, swollen hands/feet, red eyes, cracked lips/strawberry tongue, and swollen lymph nodes. Infants under six months may present atypically with prolonged fever and sterile urinary tract infections, heightening the risk of coronary artery aneurysms. Treatment typically involves intravenous immunoglobulin and high-dose aspirin, with corticosteroids added for high-risk patients. Early intervention lowers the risk of coronary aneurysms significantly. While the exact link between Kawasaki disease and COVID-19 is unclear, recent research suggests a single unidentified respiratory virus as the likely trigger.
- Dr. Galia Kuttikozhanova emphasized the significance of parents taking responsibility for their children's health during uncertain times.
- She offered practical tips such as avoiding crowded places, limiting contact, wearing masks, maintaining cleanliness, and strengthening immunity.
- A new syndrome, Kawasaki disease, has emerged since April, potentially connected to COVID-19.
- Kawasaki disease can be severe, with symptoms including a persistent fever, eye redness, mouth and throat inflammation, a rash, swollen lips, nasal crusting, swelling in the extremities and neck lymph nodes.
- It's crucial to identify these signs early to prevent potential heart problems.
- The expert advised against overusing antibiotics and suggested consulting a team of specialists if Kawasaki syndrome is suspected.
- In terms of schooling, 1st and 2nd graders could attend school in person, while other students should continue remote learning.
- The authorities of Almaty city urged everyone to stick to sanitary and health guidelines.
- Children with chronic illnesses were advised to stay home to minimize infection on school premises.
- Pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses, or people over the age of 65 were advised not to accompany children to school.
- Kawasaki disease primarily affects children under five years old, with infants under six months presenting atypically with prolonged fever and sterile urinary tract infections.
- Treatment typically involves intravenous immunoglobulin, high-dose aspirin, and corticosteroids for high-risk patients.
- Early intervention lowers the risk of coronary artery aneurysms significantly.
- Recent research suggests a single unidentified respiratory virus as the likely trigger for the link between Kawasaki disease and COVID-19.
- In the realm of health and wellness, workplace-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, mens-health, womens-health, and skin-care are essential aspects to consider.
- Education-and-self-development, personal-growth, career-development, nutrition, aging, parenting, cardiovascular-health, neurological-disorders, skin-conditions, and therapies-and-treatments are also crucial elements in maintaining overall health.
- Chronic diseases such as cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive-health issues, eye-health problems, hearing impairments, and autoimmune disorders also fall under the umbrella of medical-conditions that require attention and care.
