In recent weeks, as temperatures have continued to drop, Hamad Medical
Corporation’s (HMC) five Pediatric Emergency Centers (PECs) have seen an
increase in the number of patients presenting with cold and flu
symptoms.
Dr. Mohammed Al Amri, Senior Consultant for Pediatric
Emergency Medicine and Assistant Director of the PECs, said the increase
in the number of children coming to the PECs since the onset of winter
also coincides with the start of the new school term.
“Across
all five of HMC’s PECs, we see around 3,000 cases per day with Al Sadd
PEC receiving the highest number of patients at around 1,700 cases per
day. This is followed by Al Rayyan PEC, which sees up to 750 cases
daily. The Old Airport PEC receives around 300 cases each day while the
PECs in Al Daayen and Al Shamal receive around 200 patients each day,”
he noted.
He added that during times of higher patient volumes,
the number of nursing and medical staff is increased. In treating
patients, priority is given to critical situations where the child is
experiencing dangerous or life-threatening symptoms, such as a cardiac
arrest or convulsions. The PECs are equipped to handle a wide range of
conditions – from chronic disease to critical illness; however, patients
of children with minor illnesses are asked to seek treatment at their
local health centers, with only emergency cases going to the PECs.
Dr.
Al Amri explained that the cooler climate is ‘fertile ground’ for the
spread of viruses. “Winter is the perfect season for the spread of
viruses such as the flu and common cold, and especially for a virus
known as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - a common and very
contagious virus that infects the respiratory tract of most children
before their second birthday. RSV is characterized by a high
temperature, cough, and sore throat. It appears in newborns in the form
of bronchitis and can also cause children to feel lethargic,” he
explained.
Speaking about the prescribing of antibiotics in
treating children with a high temperature, Dr. Al Amri warns against
excessive use. “Antibiotics should be given only in cases of bacterial
infection or ear infections. Antibiotics are not effective in the
treatment of viral infections as they destroy beneficial bacteria in the
digestive system. It is also important for parents to know that cough
inhibitors are strictly prohibited for newborns and should not be given
to children under six years of age as they could affect their nervous
system,” he cautioned.
He added that teachers and other school
staff can play an important role in preventing the spread of illness by
being observant and recognizing symptoms of illness, such as a high
temperature, and then ensure prompt communication with the child’s
parents. He also recommends schools promote the importance of good
personal hygiene, such as hand washing especially, when a child is sick.
He noted that it is better to keep sick children at home for at least
two days and prevent them from having contact with other children,
especially newborns.
The PEC has a dedicated 24-hour telephone
hotline that is managed by registered nurses and aims to provide quick
and appropriate advice about common pediatric health conditions and to
decrease unnecessary visits to its facilities. The hotline can be
reached at 4439 6011 and 4439 6066.
“We receive about 200 calls per month on our hotline, most of which are related to medications,” he explained.
