Influenza (Flu)
Cause and spread
Signs and symptoms
Children with Influenza can have 1 or more of the following symptoms:
- High fever that can last for 3 to 7 days
- Headache
- Runny nose and cough
- Sore throat
- Body ache
- Tiredness
- Diarrhoea and vomiting
Treatment
Treatment of Influenza is mainly symptomatic, controlling fever and symptoms of sore throat, runny nose, and cough.
You will need to ensure that your child has adequate hydration by encouraging the drinking of fluids and ensuring adequate rest. Tamiflu may be offered by the paediatrician if the diagnosis is made early in the disease.
Seek emergency care if the child develops the following symptoms:
- Breathlessness
- Difficulty to drink
- Severe diarrhoea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Chest pain or discomfort
Prevention
Flu vaccines can be taken from 6 months of age onwards. Vaccines against new circulating Influenza virus strains are produced twice a year, in March and September. It is advisable to talk to your health care provider about receiving these vaccines which confer protection 2 weeks after administration. Do take note that the Influenza vaccine does not protect the child from other respiratory viruses that cause fever with cough and runny nose.
Influenza is a common respiratory infection that can be contracted all year long. All though in most cases it causes high fever with runny nose and cough that recovers spontaneously within a week, in some kids, it can be potentially life-threatening. Thus, taking appropriate measures to prevent Influenza infection and proper management if infected with the virus is advocated.
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This article is written by Dr Wendy Sinnathamby, a General Paediatrician with more than 20 years of experience. Dr Wendy completed her Paediatric specialist training in the UK and is experienced in newborn screening, growth and development screening, emergency paediatrics, vaccination, travel advice and adolescent medicine.
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