It’s that point of 12 months – flu season. We are seeing many circumstances of Influenza at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. But hopefully, your little one won’t be one in all them. Here is a few details about influenza that will help you preserve your little one wholesome this flu season.
What is Influenza?
Influenza is a contagious respiratory sickness brought on by influenza viruses, which trigger delicate to extreme signs and in some circumstances, result in hospitalization and even loss of life. There are two varieties of influenza viruses, A and B. Both trigger seasonal outbreaks every year, often called the influenza or flu season. The flu season normally begins within the fall and might final till the tip of spring. When there may be an outbreak or epidemic within the winter months, the sickness tends to be extra frequent in preschool and school-aged kids; nevertheless, it could unfold shortly amongst teenagers and school college students, too.
Who is Most at Risk from the Flu?
Children youthful than 5 years outdated, particularly these youthful than two years outdated, and youngsters and adolescents with sure underlying circumstances (corresponding to power respiratory circumstances) are at highest danger of growing issues from the flu. That is why it’s extremely advisable that these kids get an influenza vaccine. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that each one kids get a flu vaccine yearly beginning at six months of age.
What are the Symptoms of the Flu?
Symptoms of the flu embrace:
- Sudden fever (normally above 100.4 Fahrenheit)
- Chills
- Headache
- Body aches
- Being extra drained than common
- Sore throat
- Congestion/stuffy nostril
- Dry, hacking cough
- Some kids might have vomiting or diarrhea
After the primary few days of signs, the sore throat, stuffy nostril, and dry cough usually turn into extra distinguished.
How Long Does the Flu Last?
The flu can normally final per week and even longer. You can distinguish the flu from the widespread chilly as a result of sometimes, kids with the widespread chilly have solely a low-grade fever, runny nostril, and small quantity of coughing, and signs solely final just a few days. Children with influenza are a lot sicker, achier, and extra depressing.
Is there Treatment for the Flu?
Some issues can enhance your little one’s signs. Children will profit from additional relaxation and ingesting extra fluids. If your little one is uncomfortable as a result of fever, acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for kids six months or older) might assist. Make certain to test that you’re utilizing the right dosages of each. Do NOT give aspirin as a result of kids with influenza can develop a situation referred to as Reye syndrome, which could be very critical.
Because the flu is a virus, antibiotics usually are not efficient in remedy. However, there’s a prescription antiviral medicine for influenza, and it may be useful if taken throughout the first 1-2 days of signs. If you’re feeling your little one’s signs simply began, speak to your pediatrician about getting your little one examined for influenza and doubtlessly beginning the medicine. The medicine is particularly advisable in kids at most danger for extreme sickness from the flu (kids beneath 5 years outdated, these with underlying well being circumstances, or these round others who’re in danger for extreme issues from flu).
You ought to speak to your pediatrician in case your little one’s signs last more than per week or in the event that they develop new signs, corresponding to ear ache or strain of their head that don’t go away.
When is the Flu an Emergency?
The flu is an emergency in case your little one develops signs corresponding to hassle respiratory or uncommon speedy respiratory, pale, gray, or blue-colored lips or pores and skin, ribs that appear like they pull in with every breath, chest ache, muscle ache so extreme that they refuse to stroll, dehydration (no urination for eight hours and dry lips/mouth/pores and skin), not interacting with you whereas awake, seizures, or any fever in a baby lower than 12 weeks outdated. In these circumstances, go to the emergency division instantly!
How can we Prevent the Flu?
As all the time, good hand hygiene is necessary to stop the flu, in addition to staying dwelling in the event you or your little one are having any signs and preserving your little one out of faculty/childcare whereas having any signs. However, getting the influenza vaccine every year is one of the simplest ways to stop the flu. If your little one hasn’t gotten it but, ask your pediatrician if it might nonetheless be useful. There are each shot and nasal spray variations, and so they begin to have a protecting impact about two weeks after they’re given. The influenza vaccine has only a few negative effects and will be given to all kids older than six months, even these with egg allergy symptoms. The vaccine can also be advisable whereas pregnant and for healthcare employees.
If your little one begins to have flu-like signs, our Washington University Children’s After Hours places present handy medical care on your little one’s diseases and accidents as a sooner different to E.R.s when your pediatrician’s workplace is closed.
In case of a medical emergency with a baby, decide the place the closest accredited, Level I pediatric trauma heart is situated. St. Louis Children’s Hospital has six pediatric E.R. places throughout the St. Louis and southern Illinois area. These embrace St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital at Memorial Hospital Belleville, Children’s Hospital at Memorial Hospital Shiloh, Children’s Hospital at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Children’s Hospital at Northwest HealthCare, and Children’s Hospital at Progress West Hospital.
Good luck this flu season! We are right here for any questions and to guage your little one if they’re having any signs.