With the dip in temperatures, city hospitals are witnessing a spike in the number of influenza cases among children. Winter makes kids prone to influenza infections and respiratory problems, hence it is important to adopt preventive measures and good hygiene practices, said doctors.
Influenza is a viral illness and often manifests in a mild form in children, said the doctors. Such infections are most frequent in the winter and children are especially susceptible.
Highly contagious
The symptoms of uncomplicated flu in children include abrupt onset of fever, headache, muscle pain and malaise affected by manifestation of respiratory tract illness – sore throat, cough and nasal discharge. These symptoms are usually very similar to that of a cold, or upper respiratory tract infection. It may also cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Yearly vaccination
“Flu is highly contagious, particularly when kids stay close to each other like in a school environment. Influenza spreads when children inhale droplets that are coughed or sneezed out by an infected person, or when they come in direct contact with mucus or spit from someone with the infection. The best way to avoid flu in children is to get a yearly vaccination,” said Dr. K.K. Aggarwal, national president, Indian Medical Association
Rarely fatal
Ear discharge, development into asthma and pneumonia are common complications in children. Complicated pneumonia may be severe and rapidly fatal, especially if the bacterium is Staph. However, it is not necessary that all the mentioned symptoms be present in all children. Moreover, the duration of fever can also last from a week to upto 10 days.
“During winter, flu should be considered in all children with fever; children with fever and acute onset of respiratory illness; children with fever and exhilaration of underlying chest condition; children with pneumonia and children with a temperature of over 100oF, with severe cough or sore throat. Paracetamol should be given in recommended doses upto 48 hours and encourage your child to rest and drink lots of fluids, preferably warm fluids. One important point to remember is that flu is caused by a virus, so antibiotics won’t help and can even cause upset stomach and diarrhoea,” added Dr. K.K Aggarwal.
