Protecting your kids from Swine Flu and when to go to your doctor
I heard the sad news this morning about the 22-month-old in Texas who died from complications due to the Swine flu and it made me realize that there are probably a lot of parents out there wondering what they can do to keep their kids safe and healthy during this scary time. I thought I would jot down some tips I’ve shared over time with parents.
Washing hands
Hand washing is your best advocate. Colds and the Flu can spread rapidly through our kids because they touch everything and are not always so good about washing their hands…thus they can spread germs through the “mismanagement” of their mucus. If your child is in day care or school don’t be afraid to ask the teachers to review hand washing with the kids. Everyone can benefit from the extra education.
Cold vs. flu
Parents often ask me the difference between a cold and the flu. The “common cold,” often called an upper respiratory infection, has symptoms that include runny nose, congestion, sore throat, fever, watery eyes and cough. Kids get a lot of colds: six to 12 a year is normal. The more often your child touches their face, the more often they will get sick.
Classic symptoms of influenza or flu include the common cold symptoms listed, plus fevers, chills, body aches and stomachaches, lack of appetite and sometimes red eyes. Children with the flu may also have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen.
Treating a cold or flu
Whether it’s a cold or flu, the treatment is typically the same. Over-the-counter decongestants are often not very helpful—nor will they help your child get better faster. They are not recommended at all for children under 6 years of age. I always tell my patients to stop using the over-the-counter cold and cough medications if they are not helping them feel better. Most children start slowly feeling better within four to five days for simple colds, either with or without medication.
With the flu, symptoms can sometimes last a little longer. It is more helpful to offer your child plenty of fluids and nutritious meals. A humidifier, saline drops or warm baths or showers can help clear the nose. If your child’s temperature is elevated, offer acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
When to go to the doctor
Be it a cold, fever or flu, your child should see his or her doctor under the following circumstances if he or she:
· Has taken inadequate liquids and has significant decreased urination
· If your child is under 3 months of age and has a rectal temperature above 100.4F
· Has a severe headache
· Is unusually sleepy
· Is inconsolable and persistently crying
· Has persistent purulent nasal congestion lasting more than 10 days that is not improving.
Antibiotic not automatic
Viruses cause colds. Viruses do not respond to antibiotics and thus play no role in the treatment of simple colds and flu. When it comes to antibiotic usage, the less, the better. If your child’s physician thinks she has a viral illness, the doctor should not be prescribing antibiotics to prevent a yet-to-occur bacterial infection. The best medicine for colds is rest and plenty of fluids.
Antiviral medication
Sometimes patients with influenza can be given antiviral medication to help treat the illness. Antiviral therapy is recommended for cases of suspected and confirmed swine influenza. A suspected case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is defined as a person with an acute febrile respiratory illness who:
1. Has had close contact with a person who is a swine-origin influenza confirmed case OR
2. Has traveled to a community in the United States or internationally where there are one or more confirmed swine influenza A (H1N1) cases. (Updated information about areas with confirmed human cases can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/index.htm.) OR
3. Resides in a community where there are one or more confirmed swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) cases.
Fever
Fever is the body’s way to fight an infection. Fever itself is not an illness (with the exception of heatstroke), only a symptom of one. A fever is generally defined as anything over 100.4F. Fevers typically go away within about 72 to 96 hours. An elevated temperature is not a sign your child automatically needs an antibiotic. Because the fever is a symptom, it is important to look for the possible cause, such as ear infection, cold, flu, sinus infection or something more serious.
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