Influenza, commonly known as "the flu," is a very contagious respiratory infection that affects everyone, children and adults alike.
Caused by the influenza virus, influenza usually occurs in large outbreaks in schools and communities, with most cases seen between the months of December and March.
Infection of influenza typically is spread through the air by coughing and sneezing, or through direct hand contact.
Influenza starts like the common cold, but the symptoms usually develop more quickly and are more severe.
Respiratory symptoms include sneezing, sore throat and a dry cough.
Other parts of the body are often affected, too. General symptoms of influenza include high fever with chills, headache, muscle pain, decreased appetite, tiredness, achiness, diarrhea, and dizziness.
Flu symptoms usually last for several days; sometimes the cough and tiredness remain for a week or longer.
Influenza usually goes away on its own after one week. However, complications may arise, including pneumonia, ear infections, and sinus infections.
Pneumonia can be particularly serious for small children, children with chronic heart or lung illnesses, or children with reduced immune defenses, such as with leukemia or HIV infection. Children in these conditions may need to be admitted to a hospital if they get the flu.
As with most viral infections, there is currently no cure for influenza.
Because influenza is caused by a virus and not bacteria, antibiotics will not help.
Decongestants (taken by mouth or as nose drops or spray) may help to relieve the swelling of the mucous membranes in the nose, making it easier for the child to breathe. Infants may benefit from saline nasal sprays and bulb suction of the nose.
Encourage the child to drink plenty of fluids.
The child also should get plenty of rest. Encourage rest by offering books or magazines, or perhaps allowing the child to watch some videos or TV.
Have the child wear thin clothes in multiple layers, so that he may remove clothes when hot and put them on when chilled.
Medicines in the form of acetaminophen or ibuprofen will reduce the pains and fever. NEVER give aspirin to the child unless the child's doctor has specifically prescribed it.
It is difficult to prevent your child from being infected with influenza but there are things that you can do to lower the risk.
The flu vaccine (the flu shot) reduces the chances of being infected, and it is particularly recommended for healthy children ages 6-23 months, or all children with chronic illnesses.
This vaccine contains a killed form of the virus, which does not infect us, but leads to the production of antibodies that protect us from the living virus. Although no vaccine is 100% effective, if a child does get sick after being vaccinated, the illness is usually less severe.
Vaccination must be repeated every year because the influenza virus is different each year.
Therefore, the previous year's vaccine often offers little to no protection. In order to be most effective, the vaccine must be given at least 2 weeks before any possible exposure, and children below age 9 should have 2 doses at a 1- month interval. Contact your doctor and ask whether he thinks that your child should be vaccinated against the flu.
Influenza and other viruses are spread by droplets in the air from an infected person, and by hand-to-hand contact.
Frequent hand washing may reduce the chance of your child becoming infected with these viruses.
Keep your child home from day care or school if he has fever or has the flu, since the risk of infecting other children is high and they will not feel like being around other children anyway.
If someone in the family is sick with influenza, frequent hand washing, covering the mouth and nose with a disposable tissue while sneezing and coughing, and staying in bed will reduce the risk of others becoming sick.
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