CONDITIONS
Influenza (Flu)
What is Influenza (Flu)
Influenza is a viral respiratory infection that travels through air droplets. Flu is contagious and spreads through contact with other infected people. Flu droplets spread by means of talking or shaking hands.
What are the causes?
Influenza strains spread through air droplets. Coughing, sneezing and talking are ways to spread the virus to others.
How do children get it?
- Touching contaminated surfaces
- Touching eyes, mouth or nose (entry points) with unwashed hands
- Talking to contagious people
- Shaking hands or hugging
What are the symptoms?
- High fever (three or four days)
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Fever and chills
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
- Lethargy
What does a diagnosis entail?
Your family paediatrician will find symptoms of influenza or conduct a throat swab to check for influenza strains.
How do you treat the flu?
Symptoms of the flu will subside over time after adequate bed rest and plenty of fluids. If the symptoms of flu are severe, your family paediatrician will prescribe antivirals which may include Tamiflu.
What is the result?
Influenza lasts a week, but a cough can persist for two weeks. People are still contagious even after a week has passed.
What does prevention for influenza entail?
At six months, children should receive their first vaccination against influenza. Seasonal flu shots reduce your child's risk of infection significantly.
Good hygiene practices should be maintained, which is why it's vital to encourage children to wash their hands and carry a hand sanitiser when going to school.
Takeaway
More commonly known as flu, influenza is a viral infection that spreads through physical contact and air droplets. Symptoms of influenza include a high fever, muscle aches, fatigue and headaches. Plenty of fluids, bed rest and prescription antivirals resolve symptoms of flu.
Disclaimer
This information is for educative purposes only and is meant to be read by parents after their child has seen their medical practitioner.
WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?
Breathing trouble
Blue lips and face
Chest tightness/pain
Severe body pain
Dehydration (crying with no tears or dry nappies in infants)
Recurrent fever or cough
For these warning signs, seek urgent medical attention.
DO NOT DELAY CARE
PRACTICE INFO
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What is a paediatrician?
A paediatrician is a doctor who has specialised in medical care for children from birth to their teenage years. Paediatricians diagnose and manage both acute and chronic conditions in children, ranging from allergies, infections and injuries to behavioural and learning problems.