The Flu
- Flu season starts in the fall and ends in late spring
- Signs and symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, headache, body ache, cough, sore throat, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea
- Children with the flu typically appear fatigued and ill
- Please consult with your pediatrician to see if your child needs to be seen right away
The Flu Vaccine
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends influenza vaccination for all children older than 6 months
- Live nasal vaccine is no longer recommended due to decreased protection against the flu virus and will not be administered during this flu season
- It is recommended to get vaccinated as early as possible during the fall
- Side effects of the flu vaccine are mild compared to the flu illness
- Moms who are pregnant or breastfeeding should receive the influenza vaccine to protect their unborn or infant children
- Immunizing your children is the best way to prevent influenza infection and its associated potentially life threatening complications
The Common Cold
- Cold season is also from the fall to the spring
- Signs and symptoms include runny nose, mild fever, sore throat, cough, decreased appetite
- Cold symptoms are typically milder than flu symptoms
- Spread through contact with another person with the virus
Treatment
- Be sure your child stays hydrated with frequent small sips of fluids
- If your child is running a fever, you can treat at home with Tylenol or Ibuprofen as recommended by your pediatrician (please note that children less than 6 months old should not receive Ibuprofen)
- If your child is diagnosed with the flu, your pediatrician may prescribe a prescription medicine
- Avoid over the counter cold medicines without first talking to your pediatrician
Prevention
- Good hand washing
- Avoid contact with people who are ill with the cold or flu
- We can’t stress this enough, get your child vaccinated with the flu vaccine!
Please call us at Alpha Pediatrics with any further concerns or questions!
Sources:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/The-Flu.aspx