Flu

What is the flu?

Influenza, also called the flu, is a very contagious viral infection. It affects your air passages and lungs. While the flu shares many similarities with the common cold, it is usually much more severe. 

Does my child have an elevated risk for the flu?

Anyone can catch the flu, but some kids have a higher level of risk than others. If your child has been in close contact with someone who has the flu then there is a greater risk of infection. 

If your child doesn’t wash their hands frequently or thoroughly the risk of flu rises. Children who haven’t received a recent flu vaccine are also at a high risk of infection. 

Finally, children who have health conditions that negatively impact immune function are also more likely to catch the flu.

What are some common symptoms of the flu?

The flu has many of the same symptoms as a common cold, but kids with the flu are usually in greater discomfort than a cold brings. Some of the symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever greater than 103°
• Cough that gets progressively worse
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Body aches
• Headaches
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Nausea

It takes about a week before symptoms improve, but your child may not feel back to normal for almost a month. 

How is the flu treated by pediatricians?

Your pediatrician’s first step is to determine if the flu is the cause of your child’s symptoms. Next, a personalized treatment plan is created to relieve your child’s symptoms. 

In some cases, antiviral medications can help shorten your child’s illness, but treatment is most effective if it is started within two days of the onset of symptoms. 

In rare cases, the flu can lead to serious breathing problems requiring hospitalization. Your doctor can advise you on your next steps. 

If your child develops symptoms of the flu, call Montgomery Pediatrics right away. Treatment can shorten the duration of the illness and ease symptoms.