Flu and Cold Season


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.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/AAP-Issues-Flu-Vaccine-Recommendations-for-2016-17-Season.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3a+No+local+token

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Prepare-Your-Family-for-Flu-Season.aspx

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/ear-nose-throat/Pages/Rhinovirus-Infections.aspx

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/The-Flu.aspx