Let’s Talk About the Flu Virus and the Flu Vaccines Part 2

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“The more severe the pain or illness, the more severe will be the necessary changes. These may involve breaking bad habits, or acquiring some new and better ones.”

—Peter McWilliams, Life 101

kid-symptoms

Prevention of the Flu

  • Single best way to prevent the flu virus is to get a flu vaccine every year before the start of the flu season (for every person over the age of 6 months)
  • To help stop the spread of the flu, cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm or into a tissue
  • Wash hands frequently
  • If you live in a household with a sick person, a small baby (younger than 6 months of age) or an adult over the age of 65, it is more important for you to receive the flu vaccine
  • Disinfect all toys after a child has been sick. Replace toothbrushes after illness.

 

If you think your child has the Flu

  • Contact your pediatrician right away, especially if your child has asthma, diabetes or  is younger than 1 year of age
  • Within the first 48 hours of illness, flu symptoms can be minimized by getting a prescription for Tamiflu.
  • If child is severely ill (prolonged fevers > 104 degrees F, trouble breathing, excessive fatigue or severe dehydration)  go to an Emergency Room.
  • Control milder symptoms at home with lots of clear liquids (water, Pedialyte/Gatorade, broth), Tylenol and rest.
  • If your child has a fever > 100.5 degrees F, wait 24 hours after fever is gone before sending him/her back to school or daycare
  • Do not take a sick child to school, daycare, the mall or parties!

Let’s Talk about the Flu (Part 1)

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flu-virus

“Influenza viruses are notorious for their rapid

mutation and unpredictable behavior.”

—-Margret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization 2006-present

It is flu and cold season again and everywhere flu shots are being advertised.  Many people and families have questions about how the flu is different from other viruses and why they should get a flu shot for themselves or their children. We will discuss this in three different posts.  This first one explains a little about the flu virus, how it is transmitted and how to recognize the symptoms.

What is the InFluenza Virus?

  • There are several strains/types of flu virus that affect humans and these strains may change each year.
  • Because of the changing strains, humans are unable to develop immunity to the flu
  • The viral infection primarily  affects the nose, throat and lungs
  • Illness can be mild, moderate or severe to life-threatening
  • Flu complications can include pneumonia, dehydration, or other secondary infections
  • Flu season is general from October to May
  • “Influenza-related complications cause more children to be hospitalized than any other vaccine-preventable disease.” (CDC statement)

 

How can you get the flu?

  • Flu virus is gets into a person’s body through the mouth or nose
  • Flu is spread when you touch a contaminated object (table, chair, toy) and then touch your mouth or nose, and when a sick person breathes, sneezes or coughs on you.
  • Flu germs can live on objects for up to 8 hours
  • The flu virus is highly contagious and has a contagious period of 1 day before a person has symptoms to 2 weeks after developing symptoms!
  • Children younger than 2 years and those in daycare/school are more susceptible to the virus

Flu Symptoms vs. Cold Symptoms

Cold

Flu

Timing of Symptoms

Appear gradually

Appear Abruptly

Fever

no

yes

Chills

no

yes

Flushed skin

no

yes

Cough

yes

yes

Sneezing

yes

yes

Sore throat

yes

yes

Runny or Stuffy Nose

yes

yes

Body aches

Mild

Moderate to severe

Headache

Mild

Mild to severe

Tiredness

Mild

Mild to severe

Irritability

no

yes

Vomiting/Diarrhea

no

yes

Red and Watery Eyes

yes

yes