Basic knowledge about flu in children

Flu, short for influenza, is a disease caused by a respiratory virus. The infection can spread quickly because it is spread from person to person. When someone with the flu coughs or sneezes, the influenza virus is mixed into the air, and people close to it, including children, can breathe it. The virus can also be spread when your child touches a hard surface, such as a door handle, and then places his hand or finger on his nose, mouth, or rubs his eyes.

When there is an outbreak or epidemic, the disease most commonly affects preschool or school-age children. Caregivers are also susceptible to and can contract this disease. The virus is usually transmitted within the first few days of the illness. All flu viruses cause respiratory illness that can last a week or more.

Symptoms of flu include:

• Sudden fever (usually above 38.3 degrees Celsius)
• Shivering and body trembling
• Headache, body aches, more tired than usual
• Sore throat
• Dry cough
• Shortness of breath, runny nose

Some children can experience vomiting and loose stools (diarrhea). After the first few days, the sore throat, stuffy nose, and cough will continue to get worse. The flu can last a week or even longer. A child who has a cold usually has a lower fever, a runny nose, and only a slight cough. Adults usually feel much sicker, more sore, and more bothered by the flu.

The flu in healthy people, especially children, usually gets better in about a week or two with no other problems. However, you can suspect a complication if your child says that his ears hurt or feels pressure on his face and head, or if his cough and fever last more than two weeks.

Talk to your doctor if your child has earaches, coughs, and a fever that doesn't go away.

Children who appear to have the greatest risk of complications from the flu are those with chronic medical conditions, such as heart, lung, kidney disease, immune system problems, diabetes mellitus, some blood diseases, or other malignant diseases. Because these children may have more severe illness or complications, whenever possible, they should be kept away from children who have flu or flu symptoms. The pediatrician may suggest precautions that must be taken. If your child has flu-like symptoms coupled with difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention. There are serious complications, even death, but thanks to the flu vaccine this is rare.

Treatment

For all children with flu there are many things to consider. Children should get more rest, be given extra fluids, and eat foods that are easy to digest. A cool mist humidifier or vaporizer in the room might add moisture to and make breathing through an inflamed nose a little easier.

If your child is uncomfortable with fever, taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen in the dosage recommended by your pediatrician for his age and weight will help him feel better. Ibuprofen can be used in children six months of age or older. However, it should not be given to children who are dehydrated or vomiting constantly. It is very important not to give aspirin to a child who has the flu or is suspected of having the flu. Aspirin use during influenza results in an increased risk of Reye's syndrome.

Prevention

Everyone should get the flu vaccine every year to renew their protection. This is the best way to prevent catching flu. Safe vaccines are made every year and the right time to get the flu vaccine is as soon as it is available at the nearest clinic. Vaccinations are essential for:

• All children, including babies born prematurely, who are six months and older, especially those at high risk of flu complications
• Children under five years (especially babies under six months)
• All health workers
• All women are pregnant, are considering pregnancy, have recently had a baby, or are breastfeeding during flu season.

The flu virus spreads easily through the air when coughing and sneezing, and through touchable objects such as door knobs or toys and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Here are some tips that will help protect your family from getting sick.

1. Everyone should wash their hands frequently. You can use soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers or sanitizers also work well. Pour a taste on your hands then rub them together until dry.
2. Teach your child to cover his mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Show your child, when coughing, point it at the elbow or upper arm or use a tissue.
3. Throw away all the wipes used for a runny nose and sneeze in the trash immediately.
4. Wash dishes and utensils in hot, soapy water or the dishwasher.
5. Don't let children share pacifiers, glasses, spoons, forks, washcloths, or towels without washing them. Never share toothbrushes.
6. Teach your child not to touch the eyes, nose or mouth.
7. Wash door handles, toilet handles, countertops, and even toys. Use a disinfectant or wipe with soap and hot water.

There are two types of vaccines to protect against the inactivated flu-vaccine, also called the "flu shot," which is given by injection; and the attenuated influenza vaccine that is sprayed into the nostrils, often called the "flu mist." The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that influenza vaccination be given annually to all healthy children starting at six months of age.

If your child is receiving the flu vaccine for the first time, he or she will need two doses given at least one month apart. The flu vaccine is especially important for children who are at high risk of flu complications such as chronic diseases such as asthma, decreased immune system, kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, or heart disease. All eligible children can receive the active vaccine, but only those two years of age or older can receive the flu spray or "mist." Adults who live in the same household as someone who is at high risk for flu complications or who cares for children under the age of five should receive the annual flu vaccine.

The flu vaccine has several side effects, the most common of which are redness, pain or swelling at the injection site, as well as fever. Although the flu vaccine is produced using eggs, as of 2012, the influenza vaccine has been shown to have minimal egg protein so that almost all children with egg allergies are still considered safe to receive the flu vaccine.

For those with a history of severe egg allergy (anaphylaxis or respiratory or cardiovascular symptoms after consuming eggs), talk to your child's allergist about the flu vaccine in their office.

Antiviral drugs to treat influenza infection are now available by prescription. Your child's doctor may be able to treat the flu with antiviral drugs. Antiviral drugs work best if they are taken within one to two days of showing signs of the flu. Call your pediatrician within twenty-four hours to ask about anti-viral medications if your child is at high risk of complications from influenza or if your child:

• Have a serious health problem such as asthma, diabetes, sickle cell disease, or cerebral palsy.
• Younger than two years, but especially if younger than six months, because the baby is at risk of influenza infection, hospitalization, and serious complications including death.

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