Challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of acute respiratory infections in children during the tridemic

This article describes cases of acute respiratory viral infections in children during the tridemic characterized by simultaneous circulation of various strains of influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. The differential diagnosis based on clinical manifestations alone is extremely challenging, while laboratory methods for rapid pathogen identification are lacking. This dictates the need to revise antiviral therapy tactics. The new approach implies the inclusion of interferon alpha-2b with antioxidants that have a wide range of antiviral activity. Early initiation of treatment with interferon alpha-2b prior to pathogen identification ensures good therapeutic results. High frequency of mixed infections and risk of complications in children with functional and morphofunctional abnormalities necessitates higher doses of interferon alpha-2b and longer treatment, particularly in patients with severe infections (influenza, COVID-19, or their combination). Key words: influenza, ARVI, COVID-19, tridemic, children, interferon, antioxidants