In the United States, influenza (flu) season starts around October, peaks between December and February, and can last through May. As we approach peak flu season, here’s what parents need to know about the flu.
The Flu in Children
Anyone can get the flu, but children tend to get it more often than adults. Children under 5, and especially infants under 6 months old, are more likely than adults to have complications from the flu. Children with chronic medical conditions are also more at risk for flu complications. Complications from the flu may include pneumonia, secondary infections like sinus and ear infections, dehydration, worsening of chronic medical conditions (such as asthma or heart problems), and in rare, severe cases, even brain dysfunction or death. The good news is that most children recover from the flu completely within a week or two.
Flu Symptoms
It can be tricky to distinguish flu symptoms from symptoms of the common cold, but usually, the flu is more severe. This guide from KidsHealth can help you to distinguish between the two.
Protecting Your Child From The Flu
Get The Flu Shot
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends flu vaccines for children over 6 months old. It is also recommended that caregivers of young children get a flu shot so that they can prevent spreading the flu to their children. This is especially important for caregivers of infants under 6 months of age since they are not yet old enough to get the flu shot themselves.
Getting the flu shot will not prevent the flu entirely, but it can help reduce the chances of getting the flu and can also reduce the severity of the flu if you or your child do get it. In fact, a study published in 2014 found that compared to children who did not receive the flu vaccine, children who were vaccinated were 74% less likely to require admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) due to flu-related complications. While it’s recommended to get the flu shot before the end of October, it’s not too late to get it later in flu season.
Wash Hands
Make sure that your child’s hands are washed with soap and warm water frequently, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. In between washings, hand sanitizer can help too.
Avoid Exposure
This one is probably obvious, but it’s important to keep your child away from anyone who has the flu, even if it’s you or another caregiver. If you or another caregiver come down with the flu, try to arrange for alternative childcare to prevent spreading the flu to your child (obviously, this is not always possible). If it’s not possible, caregivers can help prevent spreading the flu by covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing, washing their hands frequently, throwing away tissues right away, and regularly disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
Support Your Child’s Immunity
You can support your child’s immune system by ensuring that he gets enough sleep, gets regular exercise, and eats a healthy, balanced diet. Some people swear by elderberry for immune support, and while there’s not much evidence that elderberry products can protect us from the flu, it likely doesn’t hurt to add elderberry to your arsenal of flu protection (but it should not replace other proven flu prevention measures described above). Be sure to check with your doctor first. Other nutrients that are known to support the immune system include Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin E.
If Your Child Comes Down with the Flu
Call Your Pediatrician
If you think your child might have the flu, call your child’s doctor. She may prescribe a flu antiviral medication called Tamiflu® that, when taken within 48 hours of coming down the flu, can shorten the duration of the flu by 1-2 days.
Keep Your Child at Home
Keep your child home to prevent spreading the flu to others. The rule of thumb is usually to keep your child home from school or daycare until he has been fever-free without fever-relievers for at least 24 hours.
Provide Fluids
Provide your child with plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. If your child is not up for drinking fluids, you can try Popsicles, Jell-O, fresh fruits, smoothies, and other foods that provide water.
Keep Your Child Comfortable
Treat fever to keep your child comfortable while they are recovering from the flu.
Watch for Signs of Flu-related Complications
Keep a close eye on your child to watch for signs of flu-related complications. Seek medical treatment immediately if you notice any of these warning signs:
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Signs of dehydration (chapped lips, sunken eyes, decreased urination, crying without tears)
- Vomiting
- Unresponsiveness
- Blueish skin or lips
- Extreme lethargy
- Return of flu-like symptoms, especially with worsened fever and/or cough
- Excessive irritability
- Fever for more than 3 days
- Fever that does not respond to fever relievers
