12 November is World Pneumonia Day – a day that draws our attention to this illness which still occurs widely throughout the world and can be deadly serious. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), pneumonia remains a leading cause of death among children under 5 years old. Our #MedshieldMom guide below will help you to distinguish between a flu or pneumonia and also what to do if you suspect your child may have pneumonia.
Even though we are heading towards the summer months in South Africa, children can be vulnerable to flu all year round. What starts as a seemingly mild flu can sometimes progress to more serious conditions like pneumonia, particularly in children with weakened immune systems or chronic health issues. Children most at risk for undiagnosed pneumonia are between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, contributing to 14% of all deaths in this age category, according to the WHO. Even children who are older than 5 years old may struggle to communicate what they are feeling and how ill they may be, so it’s important for parents to know what symptoms to look out for.
The difference between a flu and pneumonia
While some of the symptoms may overlap between the two illnesses, there are some key differences and signs for parents or caregivers to look out for:
Flu symptoms:
– Sudden fever
– Body aches
– Headache
– Fatigue
– Sore throat
– Runny or stuffy nose
Pneumonia symptoms:
– Persistent and high fever, over 38.5°C
– Fast, shallow breathing or difficulty breathing
– Chest pain
– Coughing
– Severe fatigue and weakness and inability to stay awake
– Blueish tint to lips and fingernails (indicating low oxygen levels)
– Vomiting
What to do if you suspect your child has pneumonia?
If you suspect that your child might have pneumonia, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor may perform chest X-rays or blood tests to confirm the diagnosis and to assess how severe the condition has become. Early intervention can prevent complications.
Bacterial pneumonia is typically treated with antibiotics while viral pneumonia requires supportive care such as fluid and fever management.
To protect your child from developing respiratory illnesses, like pneumonia, it’s important to ensure they are appropriately vaccinated (ask your medical doctor about PVC: pneumococcal conjugate vaccine). Other prevention methods include practising good hygiene and teaching your children to wash their hands as well as feeding your child a healthy balanced diet which makes them less prone to respiratory infections, according to The Journal of Pediatric Health.
If in doubt, reach out to your medical doctor or visit your local clinic or hospital.