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How to protect children during SARS: comments of doctors and epidemiologists

SARS, influenza and coronavirus: what to expect in the 2026/2027 season? Recommendations for parents from Belarusian doctors are in our material. Read it now and save it like a cheat sheet.

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Published Sep 21, 2026

How to protect children during SARS: comments of doctors and epidemiologists

In Belarus, the season of the rise of respiratory infections begins: in the epidemic season of 2026-2027, simultaneous circulation of three groups of viruses is expected at once - nefripose respiratory, influenza and coronavirus. The Ministry of Health and epidemiologists urge parents to take care of the protection of children in advance: get vaccinated, observe hygiene and respiratory etiquette, as well as establish a daily regimen and nutrition.

Three viruses at once: the forecast of the Republican Center for Hygiene

The Republican Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health reported that in the season 2026-2027, the simultaneous circulation of nefluorinfluenza respiratory viruses, influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2 is predicted in Belarus. At the same time, the epidemiological situation for acute respiratory infections remains stable and controlled.

Three viruses at once: what you need to know Belarusians in the epidemic season 2026-2027, said doctors

“In the upcoming epidemic season, the simultaneous spread of three viruses is possible, so it is important to think about prevention now, especially for children,” the Republican Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health said.

The Ministry of health: who first need the flu vaccine

The Ministry of Health of Belarus urges the population to be vaccinated against influenza before the seasonal rise in the incidence. For immunization this year will be used drugs "Grippol plus", "Influvak Tetra" and "Vaxigrip Tetra".

In Belarus expect a seasonal rise in the incidence of influenza: the Ministry of health calls for vaccination

First of all, it is recommended to protect your health:

1.children from 6 months to 3 years;
2.children over 3 years old and adults with chronic diseases and immunodeficiencies;
3.people over 65.

" Vaccination does not always completely prevent infection, but significantly reduces the risk of severe course, hospitalization and complications, the ministry said.

“From the third week of September, appeals are increasing”: the comment of the head doctor of the children’s clinic

The chief doctor of the 6th city children's clinical clinic of Minsk Anna Kotova said that since the third week of September in children's clinics traditionally increasing the number of appeals due to respiratory infections.

We have traditionally seen an increase in the number of visits in children’s clinics since the third week of September due to an increase in the incidence of respiratory infections. First of all, this is due to the fact that after a long summer vacation, children gather in a closed space, the educational process begins, and exchange viruses and flora that were in family hearths, said Anna Kotova.

According to her, while the child’s body is not adapted again and herd immunity is not formed, from year to year there is an increase in circulation to children’s clinics due to respiratory diseases. In this regard, the head doctor drew attention to the importance of non-specific prevention.

“It is necessary to remember about a balanced diet with the inclusion of a sufficient amount of vegetables and fruits. Great attention should be paid to physical activity. Due to this, adequate aeration occurs, so the respiratory tract is cleaned of viruses, bacteria, that is, a natural process of self-cleaning occurs, added Anna Kotova. She also called on homes to ensure regular ventilation of premises, and during the heating season - to use humidifiers or household methods of humidifying the air to prevent microcracks of the mucous membranes of the nose and nasopharynx.

“And, of course, children should be taught hygiene. Be sure to wash your hands, teach respiratory etiquette: how to sneeze correctly, how to clean the nasal passages using preferably disposable paper wipes. Children should understand that, not observing the basic rules, they create unfavorable conditions for others who are with them in the classroom or group, said the head doctor of the 6th Children's Clinic of Minsk.

Hygiene and respiratory etiquette: recommendations of epidemiologists

In addition to vaccination, experts emphasize the importance of non-specific preventive measures: compliance with the rules of personal hygiene and “respiratory etiquette”, regular ventilation of premises and wet cleaning, a healthy lifestyle and minimization of contacts with patients.

1.Hands should be washed with soap for at least 30 seconds: before meals, after the toilet, outside, coughing, sneezing and smearing.
2.In transport, shops and other places of congestion of people in the season of SARS should wear a mask.
3.When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a napkin or bend your elbow, not your palm; discard and wash your hands immediately.
4.At home and in children's institutions, it is necessary to regularly ventilate the premises, conduct wet cleaning and wipe door handles, tables and gadgets.

If your child is sick, what do doctors say

In Belarus, the management of children with acute respiratory infections (ARI / SARS) is based on general principles: mainly symptomatic therapy, a reasonable drinking regimen, monitoring the condition and clear “red flags” in which urgent medical care is needed.

Leave the baby at home. With fever, cough, runny nose and other symptoms of ARI, the child should not be taken to the garden or school so as not to spread the infection.

Symptomatic care. The main thing is to relieve symptoms: with fever and poor health, antipyretic drugs (paracetamol, ibuprofen) are used in age-related dosages; with nasal congestion, saline solutions; with coughing, abundant (but not excessive) drinking, humidifying air.

Drinking regimen and food. The child should not be forced to eat with fever; they offer drink and light food according to appetite.

No antibiotics "just in case." Antibacterial drugs for uncomplicated viral infection are not indicated; they are prescribed only by a doctor if bacterial complications are suspected (pneumonia, otitis, etc.).

When to go to the doctor urgently. At a high temperature, which is bad, difficulty breathing, severe weakness, rash, convulsions, refusal to drink or deterioration, you need to call a doctor or an ambulance.

Common mistakes of parents: what doctors pay attention to

Doctors and epidemiologists pay special attention to typical errors that increase the risks for the child and others.

1.Send a child with a fever and cough to a garden or school "for a couple of hours.".
2.Independently give antibiotics "for prevention" or with ordinary SARS.
3.Ignore the flu vaccine, considering it optional.
4.Neglect airing and wet cleaning, especially if someone in the family is sick.
5.Dress the child too easily or, conversely, excessively wrap, allowing overheating and sweating.
6.It is these moments, according to doctors, most often lead to outbreaks of SARS in children's groups and a prolonged course of the disease in children.