Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
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Influenza
DESCRIPTION
Influenza (flu) is a viral infection of the nose, throat,
trachea, and bronchi that occurs in epidemics every 3 or
4 years (for example, Asian influenza). The main symptoms
are a stuffy nose, sore throat, and nagging cough. There
may be more muscle pain, headache, fever, and chills than
colds usually cause.
For most people, influenza is just a "bad" cold and bed
rest is not necessary. The dangers of influenza for healthy
people are overrated.
HOME CARE
The treatment of influenza depends on a child's main
symptoms and is no different from the treatment for other
viral respiratory infections. Bed rest is not necessary.
- Fever or aches
Use acetaminophen every 6 hours or ibuprofen every
8 hours. Children and adolescents who may have
influenza should never take aspirin because it may cause
Reye's syndrome.
For more information on treating fever, see Fever.
- Cough or hoarseness
Give your child cough drops. If your child is younger
than 4 years old, give corn syrup (1/2 to 1 teaspoon as
needed). (See Cough .)
- Sore throat
Use hard candy for children over 4 years old. Warm
chicken broth may also help children over 1 year old.
(See Sore Throat .)
- Stuffy nose
Warm-water or saline nosedrops and suction (or nose
blowing) will open most blocked noses. Use nasal washes
at least four times a day or whenever your child can't
breathe through the nose. Saline nosedrops are made by
adding 1/2 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of warm water. (See
Colds .)
- Contagiousness
Influenza spreads rapidly because the incubation period
is only 24 to 36 hours and the virus is very contagious.
Your child may return to day care or school after the
fever is gone and he feels up to it.
INFLUENZA VACCINE AND PREVENTION
Influenza vaccine gives protection for only 1 or 2 years.
In addition, the vaccine itself can cause fever in 20% of
the people who get the shots and a sore injection site in
10%. Therefore, the vaccine is not recommended for healthy
children (unless an especially severe form of influenza
comes along). Only children with chronic diseases (for
example, asthma) need to come in for yearly influenza
boosters. Talk with your physician if you think your child
should have flu shots.
CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF:
- Your child is having difficulty breathing.
- Your child starts to act very sick.
CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN DURING OFFICE HOURS IF:
- Your child develops any complications such as an
earache, sinus pain or pressure, or a fever lasting over
3 days.
- You have other questions or concerns.
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