The CDC recommends that kids ages 6 months to 18 years of age get the flu vaccine because they are so vulnerable to the flu because of the way the virus spreads. Kids aren’t as likely to practice hygiene to prevent getting or spreading the flu like hand washing and covering their mouth when they cough or sneeze. Kids probably won’t recognize flu symptoms in another child and avoid contact with them.
The flu usually spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes germs into the air. Germs enter the blood stream when the contaminated air is breathed in. Germs can get on hands by touching surfaces that are contaminated with the flu virus, such as wet areas in a restroom or kitchen. The germs then get into your body when you touch your face, eyes, nose or mouth. If a child has the flu, he can spread germs to others by touching surfaces that other kids touch—toys and door knobs, not covering their nose when they sneeze or mouth when they cough.
Most healthy adults can infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means you might be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Teach your child to wash their hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.Cleaning their hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based product and also covering their cough with a tissue or their sleeve will help prevent the spread of the flu.
Symptoms of seasonal flu can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Extreme tiredness
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle aches
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)
If you or your child get the H1N1 flu, the treatment is the same—plenty of fluids, rest and dose-appropriate acetaminophen for a fever. After all, it is still the flu we’re talking about. After 24 fever-free hours without the aid of medicine, your child can go back to school.
These children should be seen by their doctor—call before taking your child in. Call your child’s doctor if:
- A baby younger than 12 weeks has a fever greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- A child, older than 12 weeks has a fever for three days
- A child’s fever returns after a 12-24 hour time period
- A child is not passing urine or making tears for more than six hours
- A child does not smile or show interest in playing for several hours
Call 911 if:
- A child cannot speak while trying to breathe
- The child aas a blue or dark purple color to the nail beds, lips or gums
- The child Is not responding to you because he is too tired or weak
Disclaimer: Nothing mentioned here is intended to replace common sense, legal, medical or other professional advice, and is meant to inform and entertain the reader.
