subject: Be Prepared- Protect Your Child This Flu Season [print this page] Flu season is the time of the year when the flu virus is the most common and typically begins as the weather gets colder. This flu season, be prepared and take proper preventative measures to protect your child and yourself from this all too common virus. Annual outbreaks of seasonal flu usually occur during the fall through early spring, with the overall health impact varying from year to year. Unfortunately, rates of infection, hospitalizations, and deaths can't be predicted, but by identifying flu symptoms, and knowing about flu treatment and prevention options, you can be better prepared to face the flu season.
The Flu: What You Should Know
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract. It affects all age groups, though children appear to suffer from the flu more often than adults. The flu can often be confused with the common cold, but symptoms of the flu are typically more severe than the sneezing and stuffiness of a cold.
Symptoms usually begin about two days after exposure to the virus, and can include:
*A sudden fever (usually above 101 F or 38.3 C)
*Chills and body shakes
*Headache, body aches, and being more tired than usual
*Sore throat
*Dry, hacking cough
*Stuffy, runny nose
After five days, fever and other symptoms generally have disappeared, but a cough and weakness may continue. All symptoms are usually gone within a week or two, but it is important to treat the flu seriously because it can lead to pneumonia and other life threatening complications, particularly in infants, seniors and people with long-term health problems.
Prevention is Key this Flu Season
Routine annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months and older. The flu vaccine is usually offered between September and mid-November, although it may be given at other times of the year as well. The vaccine helps to reduce the average person's chances of catching the flu by up to 80% during the flu season. Be sure to talk to your pediatrician about whether the flu vaccine is appropriate for your child or not.
There is no guaranteed way, including being vaccinated, to prevent anyone from getting the flu. Avoiding large crowds can help, but it is often impossible to keep your children cooped up this flu season. Some easy ways to help prevent the spread of the flu include:
*Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap
*Never pick up used tissues
*Never share cups and eating utensils
*Keep your child home from school if they are sick with the flu
*Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
If your child is sick with the flu, they should stay home from school and childcare settings until they are without a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
When to See Your Pediatrician
Be sure to call your pediatrician in Edison if your child:
*Has flu symptoms
*Has a high temperature
*Seems to get better, but then feels worse than before
*Has trouble breathing, seems confused, or seems to be getting worse
Typically, the flu will be gone within a week or two with rest and tender loving care. Contact your Edison pediatrician today if you think your child has the flu or for more information on proper prevention techniques. It is never too soon to prevent illness.
