Influenza has come to Oregon
March 1, 2008 by Kenneth Carlson, MD
As you’ve probably heard in the news, influenza has come to town. We have noticed increasing cases beginninng in mid-February. This has placed an increased strain on our clinic limiting our same day availability. If you want your child seen, be sure to call early in the day. Read on to learn more about influenza disease and how to take care of it.
Influenza is a respiratory virus that follows a seasonal pattern of infection, typically peaking January to March. It is characterized by prolonged fever (often up to 5 days), combined with headache, sore throat, muscle aches, congestion and cough. Treatment is supportive including rest, fluids, and ibuprofen.
Most healthy children do not suffer serious consequences from influenza. Occasional complications include ear infections and pneumonia. Ear infections are a concern when a child verbalizes ear pain along with prolonged fever and/or sleep disruption. Pneumonia is a concern when a patient’s breathing is faster and more labored than usual.
If a child has a history of asthma, influenza can easily trigger wheezing and cough. Patients with asthma should begin using their albuterol inhalers as directed.
Most children do not need to seek medical care unless in a particulary high risk group or there are concerns for complications previously mentioned. The most effective prevention continues to be the influenza vaccine. You may heard in the news that a minority of circulating flu strains are not an exact match for the shot. This does decrease the effectiveness against that particular strain, though a child would still have milder disease. The majority of circulating strains of influenza are a good match for the vaccine.
More information:
* CDC Flu site (including weekly updates on flu activity)
* Childhood Health Podcast - Episode 3: Influenza
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