THE FLU:
Flu—short for influenza—is an illness caused by a respiratory virus. The flu can spread rapidly through communities, as the virus is passed person to person.
When someone with the flu coughs or sneezes, the influenza virus gets into the air. Then, people nearby, including children, can inhale it through the nose or mouth.
The virus also can be spread when people touch a contaminated hard surface, such as a door handle, and then put their hands or fingers in their nose or mouth, or rub their eyes.
The Flu can last a week or longer.
SYMPTOMS:
*Fever (usually above 100.4 deg F) or feeling feverish/chills (Not everyone will have a fever)
*Dry, hacking cough
*Sore throat
*Runny or stuffy nose
*Muscle or body aches
*Headaches
*Fatigue (tiredness)
*Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults
PREVENTION:
*Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds after going out in public, after school, after using the toilet and before/after handling food.
*Clean hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
*Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (or your elbow) when you cough or sneeze.
*Disinfect surfaces, handrails, doorknobs.
*It is strongly recommended those 6 months or older should get a flu vaccine every season. The vaccine boosts your body’s immunes system and takes about 2 weeks after getting vaccinated. Flu vaccines help prevention and reduce the severity of the illness in people who get sick.
TREATMENT:
*Stay home, avoid contact with others as much as possible.
*Rest and hydration (no caffeine or sugar)
*Wearing a mask inside the house (and outside the house if necessary) helps minimize exposure to others.
*If your child is uncomfortable because of a fever, acetaminophen or ibuprofen in doses recommended by your pediatrician for their age and weight will help him feel better.
*Never 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.
For more information on influenza, prevention and treatment, visit:
https://www.dundalkpediatrics.com/is-your-child-sick/Influenza-Seasonal
https://www.dundalkpediatrics.com/is-your-child-sick/Influenza-Exposure
As always, feel free to contact us with any questions!
Flu—short for influenza—is an illness caused by a respiratory virus. The flu can spread rapidly through communities, as the virus is passed person to person.
When someone with the flu coughs or sneezes, the influenza virus gets into the air. Then, people nearby, including children, can inhale it through the nose or mouth.
The virus also can be spread when people touch a contaminated hard surface, such as a door handle, and then put their hands or fingers in their nose or mouth, or rub their eyes.
The Flu can last a week or longer.
SYMPTOMS:
*Fever (usually above 100.4 deg F) or feeling feverish/chills (Not everyone will have a fever)
*Dry, hacking cough
*Sore throat
*Runny or stuffy nose
*Muscle or body aches
*Headaches
*Fatigue (tiredness)
*Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults
PREVENTION:
*Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds after going out in public, after school, after using the toilet and before/after handling food.
*Clean hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
*Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (or your elbow) when you cough or sneeze.
*Disinfect surfaces, handrails, doorknobs.
*It is strongly recommended those 6 months or older should get a flu vaccine every season. The vaccine boosts your body’s immunes system and takes about 2 weeks after getting vaccinated. Flu vaccines help prevention and reduce the severity of the illness in people who get sick.
TREATMENT:
*Stay home, avoid contact with others as much as possible.
*Rest and hydration (no caffeine or sugar)
*Wearing a mask inside the house (and outside the house if necessary) helps minimize exposure to others.
*If your child is uncomfortable because of a fever, acetaminophen or ibuprofen in doses recommended by your pediatrician for their age and weight will help him feel better.
*Never 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.
For more information on influenza, prevention and treatment, visit:
https://www.dundalkpediatrics.com/is-your-child-sick/Influenza-Seasonal
https://www.dundalkpediatrics.com/is-your-child-sick/Influenza-Exposure
As always, feel free to contact us with any questions!