FLU

What is the flu?

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that primarily impacts your upper respiratory system, infecting the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is a highly contagious infection affecting both children and adults and can be particularly dangerous to young children or those with weakened immune systems.

Though serious and highly contagious, many children recover in a few days to a week from the worst of their flu symptoms. However, if your child has existing respiratory conditions or a weak immune system, he or she may need hospitalization to prevent additional medical complications. Some complications from the flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. The best way to prevent the flu and protect your child’s health against influenza is by getting a flu shot (or vaccine) every year.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

It is important to recognize that the flu can affect children differently, causing a variety of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. People who have the flu typically experience some or all of the following symptoms:

  • Fever

  • Body or muscle aches

  • Sore throat

  • Stuffy or runny nose

  • Chronic cough

  • Vomiting and diarrhea (or other digestive issues such as nausea)

Chronic fatigue is also common for a time, even after other symptoms are gone. It is important to note though that not everyone will experience the same symptoms. So if your child is experiencing any flu symptoms, especially during “flu season” (which can be anytime from late fall into May, but usually peaks at mid-winter), please book an appointment with our pediatric clinic to have your child evaluated as soon as possible.

How is the flu diagnosed?

Typically, our pediatrician can determine if your child’s symptoms relate to a cold, the flu, or other medical condition after a physical exam and an evaluation of the severity of the symptoms. However, because symptoms can vary and can also be similar to other illnesses, a number of flu tests are also available to detect influenza viruses in respiratory specimens. Because the flu is contagious for several days after the start of symptoms, it’s important to get your child properly diagnosed as soon as possible. This can help reduce the risk for spreading the infection to others.

If your child is experiencing any of the above symptoms or a combination of those symptoms, please book an appointment with Yeled Shalom Pediatric Clinic as soon as possible so that we can properly diagnose and treat your child. This will help prevent the spread of the flu to others and can also help speed up your child’s recovery process.

What treatments are available for the flu?

The flu results from a viral infection, so antibiotics are not effective in treating the condition. In some cases, we may recommend treatment with prescription medications called “antiviral drugs”, which can be used to treat flu illness. Antiviral treatment works best when started soon after flu illness begins. When treatment is started within two days of becoming sick with flu symptoms, antiviral drugs can lessen fever and flu symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by about one day. This treatment may also reduce the risk of complications such as ear infections or respiratory complications requiring antibiotics.

Diagnosing the flu and starting proper treatment as soon as possible will have the most impact on your child’s comfort and wellbeing during the illness and also your child’s recovery time. If your child has any pre-existing conditions (such as asthma), it is even more important to see your pediatrician and begin treatment immediately.

At Yeled Shalom Pediatric Clinic, our team can also recommend a variety of home remedies to alleviate pain and help your child feel as comfortable as possible. Home remedies may include over-the-counter pain relievers, plenty of rest, and lots of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Please also plan on taking advantage of available preventive treatments to reduce your child’s risk for getting the flu, such as seasonal flu shots during the winter flu season.

If your child is experiencing any symptoms consistent with the flu, please book an appointment online or call our office immediately.