Protect your child from the flu
By Dr. Margarethe Chobanian
Flu season is upon us and it’s important for parents to know the signs of the flu, how best to protect their children against it and when to seek medical help.
About one third of preschool and school-aged children are infected with influenza each year. And while hospitalization and death rates are low, the flu can be a serious illness, especially in children with chronic medical conditions or impaired immune systems.
The flu is caused by a virus, usually influenza A or B, and generally occurs during the months of November through April. Because the virus changes from year to year, people usually get the flu a few times throughout their lives.
Once someone is exposed to the flu, a few days elapse before symptoms appear. The illness usually lasts a week or more. Symptoms are often worse for the first few days, but can be severe longer. Symptoms include the sudden onset of a high fever (often 102-105 degrees Fahrenheit) with chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, vomiting, stomachache and stuffy nose.
By itself the flu can be disabling. Secondary complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain infection), ear infections and dehydration, especially in infants and children with significant health problems, can also result. A health-care provider should be notified right away if a child’s illness includes shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, severe headaches, significant vomiting, lethargy, ear pain, the inability to drink fluids or if the child is an infant.
The flu is spread from person to person by viral droplets, which are dispersed in the air by coughing and sneezing. Since droplets may live on objects for a significant amount of time, toys, doorknobs and other objects also spread the flu indirectly.
A flu diagnosis is confirmed by blood tests or by detection of viral proteins in the secretions of infected children. Although the rapid screening of secretions is easier, it is not always reliable in children.
Antiviral drugs may be useful in children over the age of 1 to speed recovery, if given within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. They may also be given preventatively to high-risk close contacts of individuals with documented influenza. Four such prescription antiviral drugs are currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
The best way to prevent the flu, however, is by getting a yearly flu shot. The influenza vaccine recommended for children is inactivated (not live) and is given by injection. It is now recommended for all children age 6 months to 18 years. The vaccine is important for those with serious health problems, and their household contacts and caregivers.
Other ways to avoid the flu are:
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Always cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
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Use tissues and discard them after use.
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Wear a mask if coughing and sneezing frequently.
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Avoid kissing.
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Wash hands with warm, soapy water for 15 seconds after contact with someone with the flu.
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Do not share pacifiers, cups, eating utensils, toothbrushes, washcloths or towels.
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Use paper cups and discard them after use.
Getting the flu is not fun. At a minimum, it causes significant discomfort and missed days from school or work. At its worse, it’s life threatening. But knowing the facts about the flu, taking steps to prevent contracting and spreading it, and seeking help from health-care providers are steps parents can take to help keep their children healthy this flu season.
Dr. Margarethe Chobanian is a pediatrician at Gifford Medical Center in Randolph.
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