EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF COVID-19 AMONG CHILDREN IN AZERBAIJAN: AN ANALYSIS OF THE PANDEMIC

Abstract

The article presents the results of an analysis of the clinical symptoms, complications, and treatment strategies of COVID-19 in the pediatric population of Azerbaijan, based on scientific sources and national data. A systematic review of official data on confirmed cases in the country, regional epidemiological indicators, and statistics on COVID-19 cases among children in Azerbaijan was conducted using the 2020-2025 project information of the Republican Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan. For this purpose, the objective clinical symptoms of children who had experienced various forms of the disease and the interaction of these symptoms with laboratory parameters were examined. The study showed that although the COVID-19 pandemic affects all age groups, the spread and clinical course of the disease among children were observed with different epidemiological characteristics in different regions. COVID-19 in children was observed in mild or moderately severe forms in most cases, and complications were mainly noted in patients with comorbidities. Epidemiological measures and testing strategies played a significant role in the fight against the infection. Azerbaijan's experience in combating COVID-19 among children is consistent with global trends, and the rapid adaptation of the country's healthcare system has demonstrated effective results in preventing complications.