Flu

If you’ve had flu you’ll know how unwell it can make you feel but in young children it can cause further complications.

Each year more than 20,000 children under the age of five are hospitalized in the US because of flu, and babies under two are especially vulnerable.

Flu is caused by a virus that infects the respiratory system. Along with typical cold symptoms, it causes a fever, chills, aches and pains, a dry cough, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If your child has any of these symptoms, and there’s a flu virus going around, it’s likely she has it. You’ll need to keep her away from daycare or preschool, as flu is highly contagious.

Treatment

Call your pediatrician to ask her advice if you think your baby has flu. If her temperature is over 100.4 degrees and she’s under three months, your pediatrician may want to see her to rule out any more serious infections.

Be guided by your pediatrician in regard to your older baby – she may suggest you give a fever reducer, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (not aspirin, which is linked with Reyes syndrome; or cough and cold medication, which the FDA says is unsuitable for babies under two years old) and that you breastfeed or bottlefeed her as frequently as she can handle to avoid dehydration.

Watch out for signs that might indicate your baby’s condition is worsening, such as a cough that hasn’t cleared up after a week. For an older baby who’s eating solids, try to choose foods with fluids in them such as watery soups, vegetables and fruits. A toddler may enjoy a warm lemon drink before bedtime to soothe a sore throat. With older children, ensure they get plenty of rest and fluids.

Prevention

The flu vaccine can help protect your child from catching flu and is especially recommended if she has any underlying illnesses that could make complications more likely, such as diabetes, asthma, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia or chronic heart, lung or kidney disease. However it isn’t suitable for children under six months old and doesn’t guarantee 100 percent protection.

Breastfeeding boosts your baby’s immunity and she’ll also get antibodies to any flu viruses you’ve had via your breast milk. You can also boost your child’s immunity by ensuring she’s healthy and fit – make sure she eats plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, especially those containing vitamin C (oranges, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach) in the winter months. Good hygiene habits, particularly frequent hand washing, can help prevent the spread of flu.

The information on this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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Last Modified: 26/06/2008

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