Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Hyderabad
A touch of flu?
|
Is your child suffering from influenza? Here are tips to help you cope
|
CHILD CAREChildren are particularly susceptible to influenza PHOTO: C.V. SUBRAHMANYAM
While most parents are happy to see their kids back in school, chances are they are likely to come home with more than just homework. Back-to-school is a time when children are huddled together in one room with unavoidable exposure to dozens of other children as well as dozens of viruses and bacteria. Chances are they will come home more frequently with colds, influenza and any other illnesses that might be "going around" school. The flu or influenza outbreaks among children at school are a major concern every year. Children are particularly susceptible to influenza and infection rates are higher in them than in any other age group, with the highest rate found in children five to nine years old.
When our child is ill, we tend to want to do anything in our power to help them feel better. We want them to be able to resume their normal, day-to-day activities as quickly as possible. Below are questions and answers to help you determine if your child has influenza, and if so, how you can best help them.
My child is unwell. What symptoms would lead me to suspect influenza?
If your child has influenza, you will notice that the onset of the illness is sudden. S/he will develop a high temperature, shivers, weakness, headaches, general joint and muscle aches and pains. Sore throat, nose congestion and a dry cough can follow. Some children may also develop vomiting and diarrhoea. Your child will not want to eat. The illness lasts for between three and seven days unless there are complications. In some children, flu can appear as a simple sore throat and lung infection with temperature.
I think my child has influenza. What symptoms should prompt me to seek medical advice?
You need to take your child to a doctor if your child's condition deteriorates in a way that s/he does not respond to you, has difficulty in breathing, becomes bluish, is irritable or drowsy. You should also consult your doctor if your child produces colourful sputum, has a pain at the side of the chest, or the illness extends well over 72 hours without signs of improvement.
I think my child has influenza. What should I do now?
Your child needs a lot of rest. Give him/her plenty of fluids and use painkillers (suggested by a doctor) for the headaches, the sore throat and aches and pains. ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) packets are a good way to replenish lost fluids. A similar re-hydrating solution can be made at home using salt, sugar and plain or rice water. Make sure the child has recovered fully before resuming normal activities.
How can I tell it is influenza and not a cold?
The cold emerges gradually, over days, with milder symptoms and can be accompanied by a mild fever. A child suffering from the flu looks ill, the fever is marked, headaches are severe and symptoms develop rapidly. Weakness and aches and pains in the case of cold are mild, while in influenza these are very evident and severe, to the point that your child may find it difficult to get out of bed. A runny nose in the case of a cold is usually prominent and your child's appetite is often unaffected. In flu, congestion of the nose can be minimal and the appetite most affected. Your child may develop a sore throat and cough in both cold and influenza.
Can my child have influenza vaccine?
Although the flu vaccine is beneficial to all children, especially those under two years and over six months of age, the influenza vaccination is recommended to a child with chronic lung, heart or kidney disease as well as children with lowered immunity than normal because of disease (such as cancer or HIV) or treatment (such as oral steroids or cancer treatments). Always consult your doctor before having your child vaccinated.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Hyderabad
|
