Influenza Information

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Flu Influenza Information

The Flu (Influenza)

Almost every child gets the flu (influenza) from time to time. What is the flu? How can I prevent the flu from spreading? Who should get the flu vaccine? The following are answers to these and other questions from parents about the flu.

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What is the flu?

The flu is caused by a virus. Although there are 3 influenza viruses—types A, B, and C in humans flu outbreaks are caused by A or B.

The flu may occur from October through May. People can get the flu a number of times during their lifetime because the virus often changes from year to year. It typically peaks in January or February.

If someone is exposed to the flu, it can be a couple of days before symptoms start. The flu can then last a week or longer. Your child will usually feel the worst during the first few days of the illness.

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What are the symptoms?

Flu symptoms include the following:

A sudden fever (usually over 101°F or 38.3°C)
Chills
Lack of energy
Headaches
Muscle aches and pain
Dry cough
Sore throat
Vomiting and belly pain
Stuffy, runny nose

Ask your doctor before giving any pain meds to kids
acetaminophen ( Tylenol ) for headache and fever
ibuprofen ( Advil & Motrin ) for muscle pain, body pain, fever

There are usually no serious complications from the flu. However, sometimes an ear infection, a sinus infection, croup, bronchiolitis, or pneumonia may develop, especially in infants or in children with a serious health condition, including lung disease, heart disease, a weakened immune system, or cancer. In rare cases, complications from the flu can lead to death. Talk with your child's doctor if your child has pain in the ear, a cough that won't go away, or a fever that lasts more than 3 to 4 days.

How is the flu spread?

The flu is spread from person to person through

Direct contact with droplets passed through the air from coughing and sneezing.
Indirect contact, such as hand-to-hand touching or when your child touches a contaminated surface like a toy or doorknob and then touches his eyes, nose, or mouth

The flu spreads very easily, especially to other family members, preschool and school-aged children, and all adults who spend time with children. The virus usually spreads during the first several days of the illness, although young children can be infectious before symptoms begin and for as many as 10 days afterward.

How is the flu treated?

In children at least 1 year of age, influenza may be treated with antiviral drugs to speed recovery. These medicines must be taken within the first 48 hours after symptoms begin. Antiviral drugs have shown the most benefit when given as soon as symptoms begin. In some cases, antiviral drugs can be taken before exposure to the flu to prevent illness or to help lower its severity. This is particularly important for children with serious health problems who haven't had a flu vaccine that year. (See "Who should get the flu vaccine?")

Extra rest and lots of fluids to prevent dehydration can help your child feel better. If your child is uncomfortable because of fever, acetaminophen may help. Check first with your child's doctor before giving your child any other medicines, including over-the-counter cold and cough medicines. Antibiotics can be used to fight bacterial infections but have no effect on viruses, like influenza.

How can I prevent the flu from spreading?

People with the flu are most infectious during the 24-hour period before symptoms appear and also on the days when the symptoms are at their worst. Good hygiene and regular housecleaning are the best ways to prevent the flu from spreading. The following are more ways to help prevent the spread of the flu:

Cough and sneeze into a tissue. If you don't have time to get a tissue, bend your arm and sneeze or cough into it. Teach your children to do the same.
Use tissues for wiping runny noses and to catch sneezes. Throw them in the trash after each use. Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing frequently.
Avoid kissing your child on or around the mouth or face when sick
Make sure everyone washes their hands before and after coming into close contact with someone with the flu. Everyone should wash their hands with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds (about as long as one verse of Happy Birthday). You may also use a waterless hand cleaner in addition to hand washing or if soap and water are not available.
Don't let children share pacifiers, cups, spoons, forks, washcloths, or towels. Never share toothbrushes.
Use paper cups in the bathroom and kitchen. Throw them in the trash after each use.
Wash dishes, forks, and spoons in hot, soapy water or the dishwasher.
Change cloth towels often and wash them in hot water.
Wipe all surfaces, including toys, with a disinfectant or soap and hot water. Viruses can live for more than 30 minutes on doorknobs, toilet handles, countertops, and even toys.
Keep children, particularly infants, away from secondhand tobacco smoke. Don't smoke around your children. Children who are exposed to tobacco smoke cough and wheeze more and have a harder time getting over the flu.

Is it the flu or a cold?

The flu and the common cold are respiratory infections caused by different viruses. They can be hard to tell apart because the flu can look like the common cold with only nose and throat symptoms or can be more serious, involving the lungs and other areas of the body.

Even though they share many of the same symptoms, there are differences. A child with a common cold usually has less of a fever and only mild coughing. Children with the flu usually feel much more sick, achy, and miserable. Also, the flu tends to strike more quickly than a cold. Stomach upsets and vomiting are more common with the flu than with a cold. Children who have colds usually have enough energy to play and keep up with their normal day-to-day routines. The flu, on the other hand, may keep most children in bed for several days.

When should I call the doctor?

If your child is younger than 2 months and has a fever, call your child's doctor right away. For a child older than 2 months who has been exposed to the flu or shows signs of the flu, call your child's doctor within 48 hours. Also, call your child's doctor if your child experiences any of the following:

Trouble breathing
Blue lips or nails
A cough that will not go away after 1 week
Pain in the ear
Fever that continues or comes back after 3 to 4 days
Does not start to feel better after a few days

Key Facts About the Flu

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Every year in the United States, on average: 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications; and about 36,000 people die from flu.

Influenza: The Disease

Questions & Answers: Preventing the Flu

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.