Respiratory: Respiratory infections among kids up post-dengue: Doctors | Pune News

PUNE: City hospitals and doctors have observed a concerning trend with an increased number of children contracting respiratory viral infections shortly after recovering from dengue.

The doctors have urged parents to take additional precautions and ensure their children fully recuperate before returning to school to avoid further health complications. Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infection, is known to weaken the immune system in affected individuals, especially children. As a result, children become more vulnerable to various infections, including respiratory ailments. The diminished immunity post-dengue infection makes them susceptible to catching respiratory viruses that circulate in their environment.
Dr Rajesh Kulkarni, paediatrician at YCM Hospital, told TOI, “During the course of dengue, some children experience symptoms such as cough. After recovering from the illness, it is crucial for children to replenish their weakened immune systems to guard against potential respiratory infections. However, there is no direct association between dengue and consequent respiratory infection. The latter can be contracted after dengue due to a fall in immunity levels.”

Respiratory viral infections can cause symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat and congestion. When combined with the lingering effects of dengue, the child might experience a more severe manifestation of these symptoms, making them feel even more unwell, the doctors said.
Dr Kulkarni said the incidence of such cases was rising due an increase in all sorts of infections like dengue and viral respiratory infections.
Dr Amita Kaul, head of the department and senior consultant paediatrics, Surya Mother and Child Super Speciality Hospital, told TOI, “In case of dengue, the body’s fighting cells, specifically neutrophils, are adversely affected, and their recovery time is prolonged. As a precautionary measure, I counsel parents to ensure their child stays at home for a period of one week to 10 days following dengue to reduce the risk of contracting a respiratory infection.”
She said, “Additionally, it is advisable to avoid sending children to crowded places for at least a week to 10 days after their fever (from dengue infection) has abated. The toll that dengue takes on a child’s body is considerable, necessitating a longer recovery period. In recent times, several cases of respiratory infections have been observed in children after dengue, highlighting the importance of post-recovery precautions.”
Dr Sanjay Natu, oast president of Indian Academy of Paediatrics, Pune chapter, said, “Consecutive infections, such as respiratory illnesses, following dengue can have a significant impact on a child’s body. Patients require an extended period to recover fully from dengue, and a nutritious diet along with ample fluids are essential for a faster recovery. During this recovery phase, it is advisable to avoid exposing the child to places like play schools or creches for a certain duration.”
He added, “However, getting the influenza vaccine can provide some protection against viruses like influenza. Therefore, it is crucial for parents to ensure that their children (above 6 months of age) receive the influenza vaccination to reduce the risk of contracting this viral infection and to bolster their overall immune defences.”