CLINICAL AND THERAPEUTIC ASPECTS OF INFLUENZA IN CHILDREN: VIRAL MANIFESTATION, FEATURES OF VIRAL EXANTHEM, AND POSSIBLE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR FEVER

Influenza is a highly contagious acute viral respiratory disease that significantly impacts the pediatric population. Due to the antigenic variability of influenza viruses, the disease manifests with a broad range of symptoms, often complicating clinical diagnosis and requiring differential approaches in treatment. In pediatric patients, influenza is frequently accompanied by fever, respiratory symptoms, and systemic manifestations such as intoxication syndrome. However, one of the lesser-studied aspects of the disease in children is the occurrence of viral exanthem, which may serve as an important diagnostic clue. This study aims to analyze the clinical presentation of influenza in children, with a focus on the frequency and characteristics of viral exanthem and the effectiveness of various fever management strategies. A total of 250 pediatric patients were observed, out of whom 137 exhibited clinical signs of influenza. The study identified five major syndromes: intoxication, hyperthermic, catarrhal, respiratory, and viral exanthem. The effectiveness of pharmacological treatments (paracetamol, ibuprofen) was compared with physical methods of temperature reduction, such as cooling compresses and increased fluid intake. The findings highlight the necessity of individualized treatment approaches, taking into account the presence of viral exanthem as a diagnostic marker. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of optimizing fever management strategies in children to prevent complications while minimizing unnecessary medical interventions.