Influenza

Flu symptoms include runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever and muscle aches. You can treat flu symptoms at home with rest, fluids and paracetamol. See your doctor if your child’s symptoms don’t improve or if your child is very unwell. To prevent flu spread, wash hands, cover when coughing, and vavccinate your child when recommended.

About influenza or flu

Influenza or flu is caused by a virus. There are many different types of influenza viruses. The most common are types A and B.

Influenza viruses keep changing. This is why you can get the flu many times.

Influenza happens most often during winter. Occasionally, the virus becomes more widespread and causes an ‘epidemic’. When an epidemic happens, more people than normal get the flu.

Flu is very contagious and can spread when people who have it cough and sneeze. The virus can also live on hands and objects that have been in contact with a sick person’s mouth or nose.

Flu symptoms

Flu symptoms include a runny nose, a sore throat, cough, fever, headache and muscle aches. Your child might be shivering and also feel very hot or very cold.

Flu might occasionally cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Flu usually lasts 2-5 days, although the tiredness and cough my  last for several weeks.

Many people say they have the flu while they  really have a cold. It’s hard to tell the symptoms apart. People with flu might have more muscle pain and chills.

Flu complications

Flu is usually quite mild in children but can cause complications. These complications can sometimes be very serious.

The most common flu complication is pneumonia. A child with pneumonia will look unwell and might breathe faster and harder than normal.

Flu can be more serious in children with long-term (chronic) medical problems, pregnant women and other adults, especially old people.

For children with asthma, flu can trigger symptoms or a severe asthma attack. 

Does your child need to see a doctor about flu?

You should take your child to the GP if:

  • your child can’t or won’t drink fluids
  • your child vomits frequently
  • your child doesn’t show some improvement within 48 hours
  • you’re worried that your child is very unwell.

You should call an ambulance or go to a hospital emergency department if your child:

  • has an intense headache
  • is pale and sleepy
  • is breathing faster or harder than normal.

Flu treatment

In most cases there is no need for special cure for flu. In severe cases and with children with chronic diseases the doctor may use a special anti flu drug called oseltamivir or tamiflu to slow the progress of illness.

All you can do for flu is treat the symptoms and try to make your child more comfortable:

  • Give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen as needed in recommended doses. This can help if your child is in pain or has a fever that’s making him uncomfortable.
  • Encourage your child to drink lots of fluids so that she doesn’t get dehydrated. Warm drinks can ease a sore throat and dry mouth.
  • There is no need for for your child to stay in bed. Let your child decide how active he wants to be.
  • Don’t force your child to eat. She probably won’t be hungry, but her appetite will improve as she starts to feel better.

You should avoid:

  • cough medicines – your child is coughing because his windpipe is irritated or has a lot of mucus, and cough medicines won’t help with either of these issues
  • decongestants solutions have side effects like rapid heart rate, jitteriness and insomnia, and can’t help with flu
  • antibiotics – flu is caused by a virus, so antibiotics won’t help and can even cause stomach upsets and diarrhoea.

There’s no need to stay away from dairy products – they don’t make extra mucus.

Don’t give your child or teenager aspirin or medications containing aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid). Aspirin can make your child susceptible to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal illness.

 Flu prevention

The best way to avoid catching the flu is to wash your hands regularly with warm soapy water. Also try to keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.

Encourage family members to cover their mouths with a tissue, sleeve or elbow when coughing. Also encourage everyone to wash their hands after coughing and sneezing.

To minimise the chance of spreading your child’s flu to other people, keep your child away from child care, preschool or school while she’s sick.

Flu immunisation

Flu immunisation is safe and reduces the chance your child will get sick with flu, and it’s recommended that all children over six months be immunised against flu every year.