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Dr. P's 2006 Flu Update
Symptoms of the flu
About 5-20% of the U.S population will contract the influenza ("flu") virus this year. (And remember: most fevers and colds are not caused by the flu.)
Symptoms of flu may include:
- fever (usually high)
- headache
- extreme tiredness
- dry cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle aches
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (more common in kids than adults)
- sinus or ear infection (more common in kids than adults)
For how long is the flu contagious?
Influenza is spread by an infected person sneezing or coughing virus-filled droplets, which are then inhaled or touched by another person, who then touches his/her mouth or nose and inhales the virus into the body. Most carriers are contagious to others one day before the onset of symptoms and for about five days after.
How can I lessen the risk of contracting flu?
Having the flu vaccine administered is the most effective preventive measure you can take. Additionally, there are sensible precautions to try to decrease the odds of your family contracting the flu:
- Be sure good hand washing occurs at home, school, day care, etc.
- Be sure no one is coughing, spewing saliva, giving wet sloppy kisses etc. on your child.
- Avoid crowds as much as possible in an area where there has been a flu outbreak.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing.
What if my child gets the flu?
If a child (or adult) does contract the flu, there are anti-viral medications that can be given (best in the first 48 hours) to help there to be a less severe, less prolonged course. (But repeat after Dr. P: Antibiotics are useless against viruses, including the flu.)
So if you suspect your child might have the flu, contact his/her pediatric provider and discuss if s/he should be tested for the flu and/or if one of these anti-flu medications might be worthwhile.
Aside from that, tincture of time is the only real cure. Comfort measures include lots of fluids (a little chicken soup wouldn't hurt), fever / pain medicine (acetaminophen or ibuprofen but not aspirin) and, most importantly, lots of TLC.
Related Topics:
Top 10 Questions about the Flu, Protecting Children from Germs, A Bout of Flu
About 5-20% of the U.S population will contract the influenza ("flu") virus this year. (And remember: most fevers and colds are not caused by the flu.)
Symptoms of flu may include:
- fever (usually high)
- headache
- extreme tiredness
- dry cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle aches
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (more common in kids than adults)
- sinus or ear infection (more common in kids than adults)
For how long is the flu contagious?
Influenza is spread by an infected person sneezing or coughing virus-filled droplets, which are then inhaled or touched by another person, who then touches his/her mouth or nose and inhales the virus into the body. Most carriers are contagious to others one day before the onset of symptoms and for about five days after.
How can I lessen the risk of contracting flu?
Having the flu vaccine administered is the most effective preventive measure you can take. Additionally, there are sensible precautions to try to decrease the odds of your family contracting the flu:
- Be sure good hand washing occurs at home, school, day care, etc.
- Be sure no one is coughing, spewing saliva, giving wet sloppy kisses etc. on your child.
- Avoid crowds as much as possible in an area where there has been a flu outbreak.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing.
What if my child gets the flu?
If a child (or adult) does contract the flu, there are anti-viral medications that can be given (best in the first 48 hours) to help there to be a less severe, less prolonged course. (But repeat after Dr. P: Antibiotics are useless against viruses, including the flu.)
So if you suspect your child might have the flu, contact his/her pediatric provider and discuss if s/he should be tested for the flu and/or if one of these anti-flu medications might be worthwhile.
Aside from that, tincture of time is the only real cure. Comfort measures include lots of fluids (a little chicken soup wouldn't hurt), fever / pain medicine (acetaminophen or ibuprofen but not aspirin) and, most importantly, lots of TLC.
Related Topics:
Top 10 Questions about the Flu, Protecting Children from Germs, A Bout of Flu
