Influenza is a contagious, seasonal illness caused by a respiratory virus. The common viruses currently are Influenza A and B.  

Flu seasons are from Fall to Spring every year.

Influenza is more severe in children, especially those less than 5 years of age.

According to a 2018 study on “Seasonal Incidence of Symptomatic Influenza in the United States”1 published in the Clinical Infectious Disease Journal, children less than 18 years are more than 2 times more likely to develop flu symptoms than adults greater than 65 years.

HOW IS INFLUENZA SPREAD?

Influenza is spread when infected droplets are inhaled, get into the mouth or eyes, or touch surfaces where they settle. These droplets are released into the air by infected persons sneezing, coughing, or talking.

An infected person is most likely to spread the disease within 3-4 days of illness onset. Infection can be spread even before symptoms appear.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF INFLUENZA?

Fever.

Chills/ Feeling feverish.

Cough.

Runny nose/ Nasal congestion.

Body aches.

Fatigue.

Headache.

Vomiting.

Diarrhea.

HOW IS INFLUENZA TREATED?

Manage the symptoms that appear in the child: give over-the-counter fever reducers like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen (for children 6 months and above)

Ensure your child stays well hydrated and rests.

Your child may be prescribed an antiviral medication within 48 hours of illness onset or later if the child is at a higher risk of complications, e.g., a child with a chronic illness like asthma or diabetes or a weakened immune system.

Take your child to the Pediatrician when influenza symptoms are present during the flu season.

Most children get better after 1 week of illness.

Influenza is a viral illness, so antibiotics will not help.

HOW CAN INFLUENZA BE PREVENTED?

Avoid exposure of your child to people who are sick with the flu.

Teach children how to cover their coughs and sneezes.

Frequent hand washing.

Keep your child home if they are sick with influenza to reduce spread.

The annual flu vaccine is the first and most crucial step in preventing influenza infection, reducing the severity of the illness, and reducing the risk of complications and hospitalization.

Make an appointment today with your child’s Pediatrician to get the Flu vaccine.

STAY SAFE!

1. Jerome I Tokars, Sonja J Olsen, Carrie Reed, Seasonal Incidence of Symptomatic Influenza in the United States, Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 66, Issue 10, 15 May 2018, Pages 1511–1518, https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/cix1060

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