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When Your Children Get the Flu and Colds
from: Maxx Family LifeFlu and colds usually accompany each other when attacking a child's immune system. These are wide spread viral infections and the truth is there is no permanent treatments due to so many types of viruses which can't be killed, but can be suppressed. Symptomatic treatments can trigger the rate of improvement in your child's health, but it might not work for all kids.
Your child can get affected by the flu and a cold virus when exposed to someone who's infected. Symptoms include a mild headache, feeling tired, stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, light fever, sneezing, cough, muscle aches, and sore throat. It takes 2 - 5 days for symptoms to appear and 3 - 5 days for the complete development of the virus, however, it can take nearly two weeks to completely get rid of the flu.
The glue virus attacks the upper respiratory system, which are the symptoms of cold. The symptoms of the flu are worse than a cold and grow very rapidly. They include a high fever, runny nose, sore throat, nasal congestion, chills, fatigue and nausea, vomiting, eye pain and extreme headache.
Symptoms are extremely important when trying to differentiate between the flu and a cold. As mentioned, flu symptoms are more severe compared to symptoms of a cold. Also, it's easier to get over cold than flu. The main clue will be recalling any incident of exposure to patients having either the flu or a cold. Even after thorough analysis, if it's difficult to reach a clear conclusion, you should consult with your doctor.
A swab is taken from the nasal track or throat and the results are determined an hour after the test is taken. No antibiotics work on these viruses. Intake of antibiotics can't improve the condition in any way. Also, there's the possibility of secondary bacterial infections like sinus or ear infection.
A child should be administered with fluids and a cool mist humidifier to suppress the symptoms and to help him/her feel better. Medications are available over the counter which can be bought depending on the symptoms. Antiviral medicines are available for treating the flu, which hasten the recovery process. Medicines, however, are effective only when given within forty eight hours after the onset of flu symptoms. A runny nose, especially in infants and kids who can't blow their nose, can be taken care of with the help of a bulb syringe or nasal drop. If the flu isn't treated at the right time, it can worsen the health of the infected and can also lead to pneumonia.
The flu is a common spreading infection, especially among school kids. According to a research, nearly 20% of Americans are infected with the flu every year and nearly twenty thousand people die from it. The only way to prevent a child from contracting these virus is by getting him/her a flu shot before the flu season or as recommended by the physician.
The vaccine is either administered through a shot or nasal spray. Regular dosage will strengthen the immune system by constructing antibodies. The nasal spray vaccine contains live weakened viruses and shots contain completely dead viruses. If your child does get exposed to the virus, he/she should be given medicine meant for flu patients, immediately. More than hundred viruses are known to cause a cold. A lesser number of viruses are known to cause the flu, which is why there's a shot for the flu and not a cold.
However, a flu shot can't be taken by everyone. People who complain of allergic reactions from previous flu shots or those who have Guillain-Barre syndrome as well as people allergic to eggs aren't eligible for flu shots. It's highly recommended you get advice from a physician before getting vaccinated.
Children and the elderly should be given nasal spray vaccination. Out of the total population, there are certain people who have a greater probability of getting the flu. Children up to five years of age, seniors older than sixty five, nursing home residents, pregnant women, patients with long term problems regarding health, and health care workers who come directly in contact with flu patients.
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