WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is influenza? Influenza (the flu) is an infection caused by the influenza virus. The flu is easily spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or has close contact with others. Your child may be able to spread the flu to others for 1 week or longer after signs or symptoms appear. What are the signs and symptoms of the flu? Severe symptoms are more likely in children younger than 5. They are also more likely in children who have heart or lung disease, or a weak immune system. Signs and symptoms include the following: - Fever and chills
- Headaches, body aches, earaches, and muscle or joint pain
- Dry cough, runny or stuffy nose, and sore throat
- Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Tiredness
- Fast breathing, trouble breathing, or chest pain
How is the flu diagnosed? Your child's healthcare provider will examine your child. Tell him if your child has health problems such as epilepsy or asthma. Tell him if your child has been around sick people or traveled recently. A sample of fluid may be collected from your child's nose or throat to be tested for the flu virus. How is the flu treated? Most healthy children get better within a week. Your child may need any of the following: - Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to give your child and how often to give it. Follow directions. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If your child takes blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for him. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children under 6 months of age without direction from your child's healthcare provider.
- Antivirals help fight a viral infection.
How can I manage my child's symptoms? - Help your child rest and sleep as much as possible as he recovers.
- Give your child liquids as directed to help prevent dehydration. He may need to drink more than usual. Ask your child's healthcare provider how much liquid your child should drink each day. Good liquids include water, fruit juice, or broth.
- Use a cool mist humidifier to increase air moisture in your home. This may make it easier for your child to breathe and help decrease his cough.
How can I help prevent the spread of the flu? - Have your child wash his hands often. Use soap and water. Encourage him to wash his hands after he uses the bathroom, coughs, or sneezes. Use gel hand cleanser when soap and water are not available. Teach him not to touch his eyes, nose, or mouth unless he has washed his hands first.
- Teach your child to cover his mouth when he sneezes or coughs. Show him how to cough into a tissue or the bend of his arm.
- Clean shared items with a germ-killing cleaner. Clean table surfaces, doorknobs, and light switches. Do not share towels, silverware, and dishes with people who are sick. Wash bed sheets, towels, silverware, and dishes with soap and water.
- Wear a mask over your mouth and nose when you are near your sick child.
- Keep your child home if he is sick. Keep your child away from others as much as possible while he recovers.
- Get your child vaccinated. The influenza vaccine helps prevent influenza (flu). Everyone older than 6 months should get a yearly influenza vaccine. Get the vaccine as soon as it is available, usually in October or November each year. Your child will need two vaccines during the first year they get the vaccine. The 2 vaccines should be given 4 or more weeks apart. It is best if the same type of vaccine is given both times.
Call 911 for any of the following: - Your child has fast breathing, trouble breathing, or chest pain.
- Your child has a seizure.
- Your child does not want to be held and does not respond to you, or he does not wake up.
When should I seek immediate care? - Your child has a fever with a rash.
- Your child's skin is blue or gray.
- Your child's symptoms got better, but then came back with a fever or a worse cough.
- Your child will not drink liquids, is not urinating, or has no tears when he cries.
- Your child has trouble breathing, a cough, and he vomits blood.
When should I contact my child's healthcare provider? - Your child's symptoms get worse.
- Your child has new symptoms, such as muscle pain or weakness.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
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