Around 700 children are being admitted every week to the Pediatric Emergency Department of Elbasan Hospital, as seasonal viruses continue to affect large numbers of young patients.

The sudden change in temperatures has led to a sharp increase in the number of children seeking medical help. On average, about 100 young patients arrive at the emergency unit every 24 hours, showing symptoms such as cough, high fever, diarrhea, and sore throat.

“We receive about 90 to 100 visits every 24 hours. The gastrointestinal virus has now given way to respiratory infections. Most children come with fever, cough, and hoarse voice. In group settings, infections spread faster — attendance at kindergartens and schools plays a major role,” said Irena Palloshi, Head of Pediatrics at Elbasan Hospital.

According to pediatricians, frequent weather fluctuations contribute to the spread of respiratory infections, and parents are urged not to ignore the first symptoms.
“Our advice is for parents to be careful — monitor the child’s temperature, clear nasal passages, and offer warm teas. They should try, especially when dealing with infants or newborns, to keep them away from children attending kindergartens and schools, since those kids have stronger immunity and recover faster from respiratory viruses.

Do we have the right awareness to go to the doctor at the right time, or only when the condition worsens? We have two types of parents — some panic at the first cough, which isn’t normal, and others bring their children too late, when we are forced to intervene with intensive therapy or hospitalization,” said Dr. Palloshi.

Specialists are urging parents not to neglect early symptoms in their children, and for those who are unvaccinated, they recommend taking the seasonal flu vaccine to reduce the risk of complications.