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Because their immune systems are not fully developed, infants and children are at a greater risk of getting the flu. In addition, if they get the flu, their risk of developing complications is also higher. Your child may have the flu if she has some or all of these symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Runny Nose
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
If your child is age 2 or younger, or has a chronic health condition such as asthma, contact your child’s doctor as soon as symptoms appear. There is no cure for the flu, but in some cases, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication. Antiviral medications can lessen the symptoms and duration of the flu. This medication is most effective if taken within the first two days of illness, so it is important to contact your doctor quickly if you think your child has the flu.
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Parents are warned to take flu symptoms in their children seriously, especially if they think their children are very ill. The latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control indicate that 45 children died from influenza-associated illness so far this flu season. "People should have a low threshold and contact the health care system, whether that means going to the emergency room or calling their doctor," said Dr. Michael Jhung, a medical officer in the CDC's influenza division. “That should be done early."
When to call the doctor
If you think your child has the flu, Seattle Children’s Hospital advises parents to contact their children’s doctors. Doctors can determine if their children need medical attention. Parents are advised to immediately contact their doctor if their children:
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- Look or act very sick
- Have difficulty breathing (under 1-year-old) not relieved by cleaning the nose
- Have difficulty breathing (over 1-year-old) present when not coughing
- Lips or face have turned bluish during coughing
- Are wheezing
- Stridor (harsh sound breathing in) occurs
- Ribs are pulling in with each breath (retractions)
- Have chest pain and can't take a deep breath
- May be dehydrated (no urine in more than 12 hours AND very dry mouth, no tears, ill-appearing, etc.)
- Have weak immune systems (sickle cell disease, HIV, chemotherapy, organ transplant, chronic steroids, etc.)
- Are SEVERE HIGH-RISK patients such as those with chronic lung disease (exception: mild asthma), heart disease, bedridden, etc.
- Are aged under 12 weeks with fever above 100.4° F (38.0° C) rectally (Caution: Do NOT give your baby any fever medicine before being seen)
- Have a fever over 104° F (40° C) and not improved 2 hours after fever medicine
Flu Treatment
If your child has the flu without other complications, your child's treatment may
include:
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- Rest
- Plenty of fluids
- Saline nasal drops for blocked nose
- Use petroleum jelly around the nose to help with irritation
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever (do not give aspirin to children)
- Warm chicken broth or hard candy for sore throats
- Honey, warm fluids or cough drops for coughs
If at any point you are concerned about your child’s health, contact your doctor or hospital.
More information about the flu and flu treatment is available from HealthyChildren.org, WebMD and the CDC.
This article is for information purposes only. It is not intended and should not be interpreted as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay getting medical advice or treatment based on the information in this article.
Sources:
This article was originally published by me on Examiner.com.
Michael Russo Hoboken
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