Information for Parents

Influenza and your CHILD

FLU IS A SEVERE ILLNESS

Flu (or influenza) is caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu usually spreads through the air from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
  • Unlike the common cold, the flu causes severe illness and can be life threatening
  • Each year over 114,000 people are hospitalized because of the flu
  • Each year over 36,000 people in the U.S. die from complications of the flu
Influenza and its complications are the 6th leading cause of death among children 4 years old and younger! Some children are at high risk of having complications from the flu. Flu could make them very sick or even kill them. The following children need to be vaccinated each year to prevent the flu:
  • Infants 6-23 months of age
  • Children 24 months to 18 years of age with chronic health problems like

    • asthma or other problems of the lungs
    • immune suppression
    • chronic kidney disease
    • heart disease
    • HIV/AIDS
    • diabetes
    • sickle cell anemia

  • Children 6 months to 18 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
Children under 6 months old can also get very sick from the flu. But they are too young to get flu vaccine. The best way to protect them is to make sure that you, their family members, and their caregivers are vaccinated.

How is it treated?

Flu can usually be treated at home with bed rest and plenty of fluids. A nonaspirin pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, can be used to reduce fever and help make the child feel more comfortable. Do NOT give aspirin, which has been linked to the development of Reye's syndrome in children with the flu.

A stuffy nose can be relieved with sterile saline nose drops. In infants with stuffy noses, try gentle suction with a soft bulb syringe to clear blocked nasal passages. Since not all doctors agree about the effectiveness of nonprescription decongestants, and many children are sensitive to some of their ingredients, talk to your doctor before you give a nonprescription decongestant to your child.

A cool-mist humidifier adds moisture to the air and may help soothe your child's sore throat and irritated airways. If a humidifier is used, always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for keeping it clean and mold-free. Allowing older children to suck on cough drops may help to relieve sore throat. Encourage fluids and food as your child can tolerate them. If swallowing is uncomfortable, a diet of liquids and soft foods may be necessary to prevent dehydration and ensure that the child is getting needed nutrients. Flavored ices may provide some fluids while soothing a child's sore throat. Children who have chronic medical conditions (severe asthma, cystic fibrosis, cancer, diabetes, heart or kidney problems) may become severely ill with the flu and require treatment in a hospital. Doctors may prescribe an antiviral medication (amantadine or rimantadine) for some children who are at special risk for severe illness from an influenza infection. These medications work only against type A influenza, not type B.

In adults, both amantadine and rimantadine have been approved as flu treatments that can shorten a flu illness and make it less severe. In children, however, only amantadine has been approved for use as a flu treatment.

How long does it last?

Fever and many of the flu's other symptoms usually pass within two days to four days. However, cough and weakness may linger for up to two weeks. In about 25 percent of children, an ear infection follows the flu, and pneumonia may occur, particularly in infants.

OR

What treatment is there for the flu?

Antibiotics don’t help the flu, but they may be prescribed to treat flu complications such as ear infections, sinusitis or pneumonia.

There are prescription antiviral medications available, but they are only somewhat effective in reducing the severity and duration of the flu. They are also expensive, may not be covered by insurance, and they are approved for ages two and over only.

The mainstay of treatment is rest at home, and pain and fever relievers. Asthmatics usually need to use reliever medications, too.

The Best Time to Vaccinate is October or November.
Protect yourself. Protect your loved ones.
Get Your Flu Vaccine!
For more information, ask your doctor
or call the CDC Immunization Hotline: 800-232-2522 • www.cdc.gov/nip/Flu

      
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