Rapid diagnosis of influenza in the paediatric emergency department may allow a significant reduction in the over-prescription of antibiotics.

Although breastfeeding has been previously reported to protect against childhood obesity, we were unable to find a significant association between obesity and either longer duration of breastfeeding or later introduction to solid foods in our sample.

Determination of fever from the body parts that had been exposed to cold environmental conditions may cause contradictory results if taken while the child is still chilled from exposure to the cold. For accuracy, children should be acclimated to the indoor temperature before taking body temperature readings. Acclimation takes at least 10 min after coming in from cold weather outside.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the frequency of obesity and to identify possible risk factors affecting obesity in adolescents. Materials and methods:This cross-sectional study included a total of 1,357 adolescents between March 2011 and May 2012 in Beyoglu district of Istanbul province of Turkey. The questionnaire including 38 questions which was developed based on the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which is used by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), was used for the data collection. The weight and height of the participants were measured and their body mass index (BMI) values were calculated.Results: Of all participants, 54.8% were females, 5% of them were underweight, 12.6% were overweight, and 2.6% were obese. Among the male participants, the BMI values were higher (21.06±3.32 kg/m 2 ) than females (20.26±2.88 kg/m 2 ) (p<0.0001). The obesity ratio was higher in males (p<0.0001) and in children of highly educated parents (p<0.05). Of the participants, 23.5% were physically active. Physical activity level was higher in males, compared to females (p<0.0001). The rate of breakfast habit was higher in males than females (p=0.002). Healthy diets and losing weight in a healthy way were more commonly accepted by the students in the public schools, compared to those in private schools (p<0.0001). Conclusion:Obesity is an important public health problem and proper eating habits and regular physical activity should be encouraged. High-income families should also encourage their children to become more aware of the importance of physical activity. The right time for this is childhood and adolescence, in which permanent habits can be easily acquired.

Introduction Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is characterized by the onset of symptoms which are not induced by specific triggers, but are rather spontaneous. A considerable number of patients report that foods or food additives might be responsible for their chronic urticaria. Aim To determine the prevalence of sensitization to food additives in children with CSU using atopy patch tests (ATP). Material and methods Atopy patch tests for 23 different food additives were applied to 120 children with CSU and 61 healthy controls. Results Seventeen (14.1%) children with CSU were sensitized with food additives. None of the control group had positive APT. Azorubine and Cochineal red were the food additives detected with the highest sensitization rates (5.8% ( n = 7) and 6.7% ( n = 8), respectively). Conclusions There can be an association between food additives and CSU. APT tests may be a helpful tool in the assessment and management of CSU so that easier to follow diets and effective treatments can be offered to families.