What advice do experts give regarding the increasing incidence of pneumonia in children?

Luckily, the child's condition wasn't severe and didn't lead to any dangerous complications, but it's a lesson for the young mother's complacency.

Sharing her experience in childcare, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Hoai An, former Head of the Pediatric ENT Department at the Central Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital and currently Director of An Viet Hospital, said that many parents make the same mistakes as Ms. H.

Associate Professor Hoai An stated that the erratic weather in recent days, coupled with the habit of overusing air conditioners, has created favorable conditions for the development of many ear, nose, and throat diseases such as influenza, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis.

Among these cases, many children are infected with influenza viruses that cause complications such as pneumonia, leading to death. This means that the mortality rate from pneumonia caused by influenza viruses is quite high.

In children, when influenza viruses or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) invade the body, it can easily cause pneumonia, and if not treated aggressively and early, it can lead to death.

Therefore, parents must pay close attention to protecting their children's health. These viruses not only thrive in winter but now, even in summer, this situation cannot be taken lightly.

Associate Professor Hoai An also offered helpful advice to parents on how to care for their children to avoid negative impacts on their health.

When using air conditioning for children, set the temperature appropriately so it's not too different from the outside temperature. Avoid overusing air conditioning in the summer.

Remember to have your child wear a mask when going out. Wearing a mask helps protect your child's respiratory system and prevents the attack of certain bacteria, viruses, and dust, thus preventing upper respiratory infections.

Parents should also pay close attention to nasal and throat hygiene, which is extremely important. It's necessary to spray the baby's nose with seawater solution in the morning and evening to wash away dust and allergens that may enter the nose, preventing the risk of upper respiratory infections.

It's important to ensure children drink enough water, as this helps the entire nasal mucus system function properly. This helps flush bacteria and viruses out of the respiratory tract.

Another thing parents need to keep in mind is that the diet must be balanced in nutrients, trace elements, and vitamins. Eating both vegetables and fruits alongside meat and fish helps prevent upper respiratory infections.

Signs that require hospitalization. The first and mildest sign is a runny nose. At that point, immediate medical intervention is necessary. The medication is very simple, just common cold and flu medicine. Cold and flu syrups are readily available everywhere. These medications help dry out the child's nose and relieve nasal congestion.

When a child has the flu and develops a fever, it's necessary to lower their temperature using fever-reducing medication and applying compresses. If the child develops a cough, simple cough syrups can be used.

Associate Professor Hoai An stated that if not treated early, children with frequent coughing, runny nose, fever, and rapid breathing are showing signs of pneumonia and should be taken to reputable pediatric medical facilities for intensive treatment to avoid serious complications.