Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0

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 your main symptoms and is no different from the treatment for other viral respiratory infections. Bed rest is not necessary.

1. Fever or aches

   Take acetaminophen every 6 hours or ibuprofen every 8 hours. Do not take aspirin because it may cause Reye's syndrome.

   For more information on treating fever, see Fever.

2. Cough or hoarseness

   Use cough drops. (See Cough .)

3. Sore throat

   Use hard candy. Warm chicken broth may also help.

   (See Sore Throat .)

4. Stuffy nose

   Warm-water or saline nosedrops and nose blowing will open most blocked noses.

   (See Colds .)

5. Contagiousness

   Spread is rapid because the incubation period is only 24 to 36 hours and the virus is very contagious. You may return to school after the fever is gone and you feel 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 percent of the people who get the shots and a sore injection site in 10 percent. Therefore, the vaccine is not recommended for healthy people (unless an especially severe form of influenza comes along). Only those with chronic diseases (for example, asthma) need to come in for yearly influenza boosters. Talk with your physician or parents if you think you should have flu shots.

Call Your Physician During Office Hours If:

• You develop any complications such as an earache, sinus pain or pressure, or a fever lasting over 3 days.
• You have other questions or concerns.