Flu Season

The flu, also known as influenza, is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract (nose, throat and lungs). The virus spreads easily in settings where many people are contained in close quarters, such as schools and childcare; making children especially susceptible to the flu.

Often confused with the common cold, influenza symptoms are typically more severe.  The following symptoms are good indicators that your child may have the flu:

• Rapid onset of fever (typically above 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Excessive tiredness, lack of energy and general weakness
• Muscle aches and chills
• Dry (hacking) cough
• Stuffy, runny nose

Other symptoms include: sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea.

Remember, if your child comes down with the flu, keep them home from school or childcare, for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone.  The flu is highly contagious and can infect other children and caregivers.  It can spread by direct contact, such as drinking from the same cup, or through indirect contact, such as when a classmate sneezes on his/her hand and then touches the door handle.

Flu Prevention Tips

Annual outbreaks of seasonal flu typically occur during the fall through the spring. Knowing how to identify flu symptoms and prevent the virus will help you protect your family from getting the flu. Here are just a few tips:

• Teach your children proper and consistent hand washing
• Avoid sharing cups, bottles and other utensils
• Encourage your children to keep their hands away from their eyes, nose and mouth to prevent germs from spreading
• Practice the importance of coughing or sneezing into your arm or a tissue

Treatment

When your child is experiencing the flu, extra rest and drinking plenty of fluids can help relieve symptoms. Typical recovery time for the flu is one to two weeks, but may be even longer. Contact your pediatrician, if your child’s fever persists, he/she develops a cough, or if he/she complains of ear pain. Flu is a serious illness that should be monitored closely.

To prevent seasonal influenza, “The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that an influenza vaccine be given annually to all children starting at six months of age. Children 6 month through 8 years old may need two doses of the vaccine given at least four weeks apart. Children 9 years of age and older only need one dose.”¹ Call us today to learn more on how you can get the flu shot for your family.

Additional Notes:

— Children with chronic health conditions have a greater risk of complications from the flu, thus keen attention and precaution needs to be taken to avoid other children with the flu-like symptoms.

— If your child has flu-like symptoms along with any difficulty breathing, seek medical attention right away. There can be serious complications, even death, from influenza.

— While Ibuprofen is approved for use in children six months of age and older, it should never be given to children who are dehydrated or who are vomiting continuously.

— It is extremely important never to give aspirin to a child who has the flu or is suspected of having the flu. Aspirin during bouts of influenza is associated with an increased risk of developing Reye syndrome.

¹For more information, check out – https://www.healthychildren.org