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Mild respiratory symptoms are a result of this particular type of flu virus. It is considered less severe compared to types A and B.
The flu is considered one of the most severe and common viral illnesses that happens predominately in winter. Most sick children have the flu for less than a week, while others with more serious symptoms need to be hospitalized.
Influenza, also known as the flu, is an extremely contagious viral infection that affects air passages in the lungs. Amongst other things, it can cause a high fever, body aches, and cough.
Public health officials are focusing on stopping the spread of types A and B, but this remains a challenge because the viruses change and mutate often, so people are then exposed to new types every year.
Flu types A and B cause epidemics or widespread illness almost every winter. They can result in people needing to go to the hospital, or even dying.
The flu can be passed from one child to another when they cough or sneeze. It's also possible to transfer the virus when a child touches their nose or mouth after touching something infected with the flu virus.
The most contagious period is the 24 hours before flu-like symptoms start. After about five to seven days, the risk of infecting someone else ends.
Children often touch many surfaces and then touch their mouth, nose, or eyes and become infected. The flu is easy to spread, and kids are especially at risk.
Children who are younger or those with certain underlying health conditions are often at an increased risk of a flu-induced hospital stay and having severe, complicated symptoms.
Infrequently, symptoms might include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Be sure to keep an eye on symptoms and speak with the doctor as things progress.
Children who have the flu usually recover after a few days. However, if they're not careful it can progress to pneumonia, or, in worst-case scenarios, even death.
There are several reasons that children are at more risk than adults when it comes to the flu. Some reasons include that they haven't received the flu vaccine or don't usually (or ever) wash their hands after they touch infected surfaces.
Your child's age, symptoms, and general health will impact the treatment they receive. It's also important to consider how severe the flu is.
A common cold is often quite mild and will go away after a few days. The flu, however, can cause severe problems and symptoms that can lead to hospitalization.
It's important to consult a doctor before your child takes any medications. One common option to help with flu symptoms is acetaminophen, which can help lessen body aches and fever.
Your child's doctor or healthcare provider will ask about the symptoms your child is experiencing. They will also give your child a physical exam, at which point a flu diagnosis can usually be made. However, in some scenarios further tests such as a nose or throat swab will be done.
Antiviral medicines may help ease symptoms and even shorten the length of illness. They can also help lessen the chances of developing flu-related ear infections.
Be sure your child rests a lot, and that they drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Antibiotics are only effective against symptoms of the flu, not in curing it. You should talk to your child's healthcare provider about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects before starting any medicine.
You can help your child remain healthy by getting them an annual flu vaccine before flu season starts. If there are questions about the efficacy of the flu vaccine, be sure to talk with your doctor or medical provider.
Children with other health conditions that affect their breathing, such as asthma, are at a greater risk for complications from the flu.
If your child gets the flu shot, there can sometimes be mild side effects, such as soreness in the arm where the shot was given, a headache, or a low-grade fever for about one day following the shot.
If your child has severe symptoms, including breathing problems, then they may need to go to, and stay in, the hospital. The flu can lead to lung infections such as pneumonia.
It is important to closely monitor your child's health and any flu-like symptoms. Call your healthcare provider if your child has symptoms that don’t get better, get worse, or if new symptoms arise.
Sources: (Cleveland Clinic) (Johns Hopkins Medicine)
See also: Baby's first year—how to prepare for and prevent illnesses
Consider having your child wear a medical mask when in contact with others, especially large groups of people.
Influenza can also be passed through using the same utensils or drinkware as someone who is infected.
It's that time of year: the weather is cooling down, and your child seems to catch every sickness out there. Of course, especially prevalent is the flu. This contagious, viral infection can affect air passages, making sufferers feel absolutely terrible. But when your child catches the flu, it's not only them feeling the toll!
In this gallery, you'll find out more about the flu in children and what you, the parent, can do to help them tackle it (and even prevent it to begin with). Click through now.
Here’s what to do when your child has the flu
A parent’s guide to managing the flu at home
HEALTH Sickness
It's that time of year: the weather is cooling down, and your child seems to catch every sickness out there. Of course, especially prevalent is the flu. This contagious, viral infection can affect air passages, making sufferers feel absolutely terrible. But when your child catches the flu, it's not only them feeling the toll!
In this gallery, you'll find out more about the flu in children and what you, the parent, can do to help them tackle it (and even prevent it to begin with). Click through now.