'Tis the season for sneezes and sniffles. In case you find yourself nursing more than just the common cold (or wondering, “Does my child have the flu?”), here are a few quick facts to help you recognize, prevent and treat the virus.
Dr. Mom's Tips for Surviving Flu Season
By Melissa Arca, M.D.
Flu Signs & Symptoms
- Sudden onset of a high fever, usually over 101 degrees Fahrenheit
- Profound muscle aches, fatigue and headaches
- Sore throat and a dry cough
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Children may also experience nausea, decreased appetite, and possibly some vomiting and diarrhea
Prevention
- Wash up! Encourage your child to wash her hands several times throughout the day—after using the bathroom, before eating, after playing on the playground, etc. For best results, teach kids to use soap and water and vigorously rub their little hands for about 20 seconds. (That’s about the time it takes them to sing the ABC song twice. "Happy Birthday” works too.)
- Use hand sanitizer if hand washing is not available.
- Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep, exercise, and a well balanced diet to keep his immune system in tip top shape.
- Get your child vaccinated against the flu. This year the seasonal flu shot will include coverage of the H1N1 strain as well as the two other most common influenza strains. For more info, visit CDC.gov.
Treatment DOs & DON’Ts
- DO nurse them back to health. Keep your child home from school, make sure he gets plenty of rest, give him a fever reducer such as acetaminophen, and make sure he stays well hydrated. (Stay on top of your child’s hydration by pushing clear liquids such as water or diluted juice frequently throughout the day.)
- DON’T demand antibiotics. Since the flu is caused by a virus (vs. bacteria), antibiotics won’t help. Overuse could even lessen antibiotics’ effectiveness for your child in the future.
- DO keep an eye out for complications. Pneumonia, ear infections, or dehydration are all causes for concern. If you spot these, talk to your pediatrician.
- DON’T second-guess your instincts. Whenever in doubt, seek medical attention for your child.
Melissa lives in Rocklin with her husband and two young children. She’s a part-time pediatrician and full-time mom. For more mom-to-mom tips and health advice, check out her blog: Confessions of a Dr. Mom.
