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Childhood Illnesses
and Conditions
: Influenza Infection or The Flu in Children
Is the flu the same as a cold?
 The answer to this question is NO. The terms "a cold" and "the flu" are not the same thing.
The common cold, caused by any one of 250 viruses, lasts for a few days and
causes cough and a stuffy or runny nose which may be accompanied by a fever. The "flu",
caused by the Influenza virus, is a potentially more serious infection. The flu often begins like
a cold, but is usually associated with:
High fever
Severe muscle/body aches
Chills
Headache
Loss of appetite and
Extreme fatigue and weakness
While a cold usually lasts for a few days and goes away on its own with out any complication or problem,
the flu can last up to 7-10 days or even longer. Also, the cough and fatigue from an influenza infection can persist for weeks.
The bottom line is that the flu is not the same as a cold; it is potentially a much more dangerous infection than the common cold.
How the flu is spread?
The influenza virus is spread from one person to another by airborne droplets in a cough or a sneeze. It is important to realize that the Influenza virus can also be spread indirectly; because it can live for up 48 hours outside of the body, this virus can be contracted from surfaces such as telephones, computer keyboards, door-knobs and toys. Don't forget that unwashed hands and kitchen utensils can also transmit the virus.
Who is at risk?
In children less than 24 months of age or children of any age with chronic medical conditions such as
asthma, heart problems or cystic fibrosis, the Influenza infection can be complicated by serious
and potentially deadly complications such as pneumonia. The Influenza virus weakens the body's immune
or defense system and makes it easier for other infections to occur.
Children and the flu
Influenza infection rates are higher in younger children, and even healthy kids can end up quite sick as a result of the flu. Studies have shown that up top 42% of pre-school age children develop the flu. In addition, during the influenza season, there are higher rates of ear infections(or Otitis Media) as well as severe bacterial lung infections among children.
Treating the flu
Unfortunately there is no specific cure or medicine for the flu. There are some new anti-influenza virus
medications on the market, but are not indicated for children. The best approach is prevention which can be achieved
by getting a flu vaccine.
If a child develops the flu, the treatment includes:
Rest
Drinking plenty of fluids
Acetaminophen(Tempra or children's Tylenol) for fever and pain
Some important points
Antibiotics are not effective against the influenza virus.
Aspirin (ASA) should never
be given to children with the flu.
If anyone has the flu they should avoid contact with seniors,
young children and people with chronic underlying medical conditions who are most at risk for
developing influenza-related complications.
Prevention is best
Up until recently, only children with chronic medical conditions including asthma, heart problems and weakened immune or "body defense" systems such as AIDS, were thought to be at risk for flu related complications. Tragically, during the 2003-2004 season there were several deaths among young otherwise healthy children as a result of the flu in North America. It seems that the flu is even more dangerous to normal young children too.
For this reason, national vaccination guidelines now recommend that all healthy children between
6 months to 23 months of age receive the flu vaccine.
Other preventative measures
 Aside from the flu vaccine, here are some other steps that parents, schools, and others can take to help prevent the spread of the flu virus:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Keep your child home, if he or she is sick
Teach your children to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
Teach your children to wash their hands, especially before and after meals
Click here to view Dr.Paul's Video(wmv format) segment on "THE FLU VACCINE FOR CHILDREN".
You will need the Windows Media Player. The video is streams best using a high speed internet connection.
Other Childhood Illnesses
and Conditions |
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The information provided in this site is
designed to be an educational aid only. It is not intended to
replace the advice and care of your child's physician, nor is
it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If
you suspect that your child has a medical condition, always
consult a physician.
© Autograph Communications Inc.,
All rights reserved
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