Influenza

Call Our Office

(270) 769-0110

Immediately if

• Your child has trouble breathing.

• Your child has severe neck pain or stiffness

• Your child acts confused, has behavior changes, or has a seizure (convulsion)

During Regular Hours if

• A fever lasts for more than 3 days
• An earache or sinus/head pain occurs
• Your child has nausea (upset stomach), vomiting (throwing up), or diarrhea (loose, watery stool) for more than 2 days
• Your child has a dry mouth, cracked lips, cries without tears, or is dizzy. Your child may be dehydrated, which is a loss of too much body water and salts
• Call if your baby has a dry diaper (no urine) for eight hours or more
• Your child will not drink liquids or will not breast feed
• You have other concerns or questions

Description

Influenza (in-floo-EN-zah) is an infection that may affect your child's nose, throat, windpipe, lungs, and muscles. It is most common in the winter months. It is easily spread to others. Your child may become ill with the flu one to four days after being around people who have it.

Possible Causes

The flu is caused by a virus (germ). There are many different viruses that cause the flu each year. The flu is easily spread from an infected person to others by coughing, sneezing, or close contact. Your child can catch the flu by eating or drinking from cups, plates, or utensils used by an infected person. If your child touches toys or objects used by an infected person, germs can stay on his hands. When your child puts his hands in his mouth or eats food, the virus can go into your child's mouth. The virus can also go into your child's body when he rubs or touches his eyes and nose.

Symptoms

Your child may have one or more of the following:

• Chills and fever
• Dry cough and sore throat Your child may become hoarse (lose his voice) for a few days
• Headache or body aches
• Red, watery, and sore eyes
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Swollen glands
• Tiredness
• Vomiting (throwing up) or diarrhea (loose, watery stool). Your child may feel nauseated (sick to his stomach) and not want to eat

Expected Outcomes

Influenza usually lasts for 3-7 days, but cough and malaise can last up to 2 weeks. The risks for complications, hospitalization and death are higher in young children and those with other medical conditions.

Home Treatment

• Help your child to rest. Your child should take naps (sleep) and rest as much as possible. Give him books or a drawing pad for quiet play. Let him watch TV or a movie to help him rest.
• Give your child plenty of liquids. Help your child drink at least six to eight cups of clear liquids each day. Give your child liquids like water, juice, broth, or decaffeinated sports drinks. If your child's throat is sore, give him soft foods that are easy to swallow.
• Ease your child's discomfort. Run a cool-mist humidifier to increase moisture in your child's room. This may ease the cough or make it easier to breathe. Follow the humidifier instructions carefully. Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter medicine that may help your child's fever or discomfort. Do not give your child aspirin.
• Do not smoke around your child. Smoking can harm your child's heart, lungs, and blood. If you smoke around your child, he is more likely to get certain types of infections. He is also more likely to get lung disease and cancer later in his life. If you smoke, you should quit. Not only will you help yourself, but also those around you. If you are having trouble quitting, talk to your caregiver about ways to quit.