Influenza in Children

What is influenza in children?

Influenza or flu is a respiratory infection which easily spreads from person to person. In children, the condition may be confused with other ailments including common cold or stomach disorder. Immediate medical attention is important since influenza symptoms can be very intense, and also because the infection spreads very rapidly.

What are its main signs and symptoms?

You can be quite certain your child may have the flu if you notice:

• A raging fever – higher than 102oF and touching 104oF
• Shivering and chills accompanying the fever
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Sore throat and cough
• Body pain, stomach ache and nausea

What are its main causes?

Influenza is caused by the influenza virus. Of the three types of influenza virus, types A and B cause annual outbreaks and type C causes random, isolated illness. The virus spreads when children come in contact with others who are infected or are exposed to the virus through infected mucus or saliva. Being too close to infected people when they sneeze or blow their nose can also cause the virus to spread.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Influenza is extremely easy to diagnose, especially in children, and most doctors can accurately diagnose the condition with a simple examination of the child. Since there is a chance that the flu may be mistaken for other conditions, a small swab of mucus taken from the nose may be sent to the lab for testing.

In order to treat children for the flu, doctors routinely prescribe the following:

• Medication for fever and aches
• Medication to settle the stomach
• Medication for related conditions like asthma
• Plenty of rest
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Medication for congestion, runny nose or cough
• Flu vaccine to prevent recurrences
• Home care (saline nasal drops, humidifier)
• Preventive measures like washing hands every time the child covers his nose and mouth for coughing or sneezing; covering the nose and mouth with a thick napkin; avoiding touching food without washing hands first

Relapses of the flu are common, and doctors recommend that the child be watched for at least 24 hours after the fever has broken before sending the child to school or play.

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