Influenza (respiratory flu)

Influenza is a respiratory viral infection that is similar to a “bad” cold (upper respiratory infection). It tends to be seasonal (usually December through March). Symptoms include: hacking, dry cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, extreme tiredness, muscle pain and aches, headache, and fever. Influenza is not: vomiting and diarrhea.

What is different about influenza from other colds is fever generally last longer (up to five days), there are more muscle aches and more fatigue. It often causes a more severe exacerbation of asthma if a patient has had that problem in the past. As with a lot of serious infections, those most at risk are the very young and elderly.

For the 2008-2009 the CDC has expanded their recommendation for influenza vaccination now stating will benefit all children age 6 months to 18 years old. This is an expansion in recommendation from previous years. Our office has always encouraged influenza vaccine for all children, regardless of risk factors so this will not likely cause a big change in how we give vaccine. Keep an eye on web site for information regarding Saturday Flu Shot walk-in clinics.

When to call

Call right away for:

  • Fever over 105°F (40.6°C)
  • Difficulty with breathing

Call during office hours:

  • If child develops earache
  • Fever lasting more than 3 days
  • Fever comes back after it has been gone for 24 hours
  • Your child has a history of asthma
  • Nose openings with yellow scabs and infected looking sores

What to do

  • Symptomatic and supportive care: lots of loving, fluids, light meals, and rest is needed
  • Nose: Vaseline to nasal to dry or irritated penings (for stuffy nose use cold-air humidifier and saline nose drops - see colds and coughs for directions)
  • For fever and muscle aches: use Tylenol© or ibuprofen
  • Absolutely NO ASPIRIN (can increase risk of Reye syndrome)
  • Sore throat: warm fluids can be soothing (try warm broth, if over 12 months old)
  • Cough: see colds and cough

Prevention

Try to prevent spread of the virus through simple household control measures.
* Good hand washing
* Teach child to cover nose and mouth with coughs and sneezing
* No sharing glasses
* Wash sick child’s dishes in dishwasher

Vaccination is very effective for prevention of infection.

  • ABSOLUTELY NEEDED: for “at risk” children; including: asthma, other chronic lung disease, heart disease, children getting therapy that suppresses the immune system (cancer treatments), sickle-cell disease, etc (check with your pediatrician for any questions)
  • STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for all children ages 6 months to 18 years old (this is a new expanded recommendation for 2008-2009 season) and their family members. Also for parents and siblings of infants less than 6 months old and other high risk persons.
  • Vaccine also may be available for healthy children, whose parents want to reduce the risk of influenza.