Health advice for seasonal illnesses and tick bites

Medical professionals are providing guidance on managing common seasonal health issues. During the autumn period, children often experience increased rates of sore throats, tonsillitis, runny noses, and coughs. Pharmacist Marget Raukas advises that while most viral illnesses are self-limiting, families should be prepared with fever reducers like paracetamol or ibuprofen, ensuring dosages are based on a child's weight and appropriate forms such as syrups or suppositories are used.

Regarding summer health concerns, Dr. Merit Rahnikusõnul notes that tick bites are a frequent issue. She advises that ticks should be removed as quickly as possible and that individuals can typically manage removal at home, even if the head remains in the skin, as the body will naturally expel it. Medical attention is recommended if the tick is in an inaccessible location, or if symptoms such as a red rash larger than 5 cm, fever without other viral symptoms, severe headache, or neurological issues like double vision occur. Dr. Rahnik emphasizes that testing for Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis is generally not indicated immediately after a bite unless specific symptoms appear, as early-stage tests can yield false negatives.