Flu symptoms can manifest in your child overnight, but in most cases, he has had the virus in his body for at least two days. But is it really the flu, or it's a common cold? It can be confusing to tell one infection from the other, because the symptoms of both ailments are very similar. Even though the symptoms are similar, the viruses that cause the flu are different from the ones that cause the common cold. Let's examine the symptoms of the flu in kids, and when to visit the doctor.
Facts About The Flu In Kids
Flu is short for influenza, a serious viral infection caused by any one of the three strains of the influenza virus. Even though the symptoms are similar to that of the common cold, flu symptoms are generally more intense. It can spread through the air by coughing and sneezing as well as by hands. Also cups, and other objects that have been in contact with an infected person's mouth or nose. Some of the symptoms are fever or chills, headaches, cough, fatigue, diarrhoea, a runny nose, body aches and vomiting.
Like the common cold, the flu can be treated at home, with fever-reduction medication. The biggest difference between the flu and the common cold is timing. While the cold will seem to creep upon him over a few days, the flu is like a surprise attack sprung overnight. The flu can be really serious and sometimes life threatening. The disease is highly infectious and easy to contact so proper hygiene is very important. Even if your child is very healthy, they could still be infected with the flu.
When To Call The Doctor
Like the common cold, the flu can run its course and be gone within a week. But sometimes it can be serious with complications, especially with children under 2 years of age. Their immunity is still building up and not yet strong enough. If your child suffers other health conditions like asthma, it's best to let your doctor know every time he has the flu. Also contact your doctor if you notice any of the following:
- unusually severe symptoms of the flu
- laboured breathing
- the symptoms improve and then relapse with severe coughing and fever
- a very high fever
- your child begins to convulse or has a seizure
- a stiff neck
- doesn't respond when you wake him up
- seems confused or disoriented
- pale skin colour
- symptoms of dehydration
- irritability and extreme fussiness, in babies
- lethargy
- your child is less than 1 year old
- baby was born premature and is less than 2 years old
- your child has been in the hospital the last three months
How To Treat The Flu In Kids
Most children fight off the infection by themselves within a week. Antibiotics are not helpful for the flu and your doctor won't prescribe them unless your child also has a bacterial infection. Never give your child or young person aspirin as this may increase the risk of Reye syndrome. Continue with your child's usual medications (such as those for asthma, diabetes and epilepsy). You can care for your child at home by doing these things:
- Keep your child comfortable,and let him have lots of bed rest
- Give him lots of fluid to ensure that he doesn't become dehydrated
- Use saline drops to treat a stuffy nose
- Offer medication such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen to fight the fever and reduce muscle aches.
- Ibuprofen should not be administered to children below 6 months of age.
- Give your child a variety of fruits containing Vitamin C.
- Serve them foods in protein, such as meats, eggs, dairy, and beans, may help to regain strength.
- Give foods that are easy to eat, such as soups and ice pops, which are soothing for sore throats.
How To Prevent The Flu In Kids
- Wash your hands often, especially before preparing food or touching your child.
- Throw out dirty tissues immediately.
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, preferably into the crook of your arm rather than your hand.
- Wear a face mask over your nose and mouth. This may help limit the spread of germs when you cough, sneeze, or talk.
- The flu can live on hard surfaces for 24 hours. Wipe down doorknobs, tables, and other surfaces in your home with hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, detergent, or iodine-based antiseptics.
Getting the flu vaccine is your child’s best defense against getting the flu, even if it’s not fully effective. Getting the flu vaccine may help reduce the severity of your child’s symptoms and decreases their chance of serious complications from the flu.
Resource: WebMD KidsHealth
Also read: Child Flu Remedies: Turmeric Milk
