Influenza ("The Flu")
Influenza season is here, and typically runs from December through April and sometimes into May. There are often two or more flu strains circulating in a given flu season, so people may get sick with influenza more than once in a season. Typical symptoms of influenza include fever, headache, body aches, sore throat, cough, congestion, and may include nausea and vomiting. Influenza infection is typically worse than a common cold, and is more likely to cause complications like pneumonia, wheezing or asthma attacks, dehydration, and other complications. Fever can last 2-4 days, and patients sick with the flu are contagious until they are fever-free AND feeling much better for at least 24 hours.
While the influenza vaccine doesn't always prevent patients from getting sick with the flu, it is effective at lessening the severity of the illness and at reducing the rate of complications (including ER visits, hospitalizations, etc.). It is not "too late" to get a flu shot until the flu season is over (typically end of April). Flu shots are recommended for all children starting at 6 months old (in fact, children under 2 years old are at a higher risk of flu complications including hospitalization).
The main treatment for influenza illness is as you would expect: rest, staying well hydrated, treating aches and pains when needed, and staying home until feeling much better for over 24 hours. There are two prescription medications that can shorten the duration and lessen the potential complications of influenza infection - Tamiflu and Xofluza. They are most effective when they are started within the first 48 hours of flu symptoms. Studies show that they can shorten the duration of influenza symptoms by about 1 1/2 days, and reduce the chance of flu complications. If you feel your child may have the flu, please call the office and we can evaluate them and guide you with the proper treatment options.
While the influenza vaccine doesn't always prevent patients from getting sick with the flu, it is effective at lessening the severity of the illness and at reducing the rate of complications (including ER visits, hospitalizations, etc.). It is not "too late" to get a flu shot until the flu season is over (typically end of April). Flu shots are recommended for all children starting at 6 months old (in fact, children under 2 years old are at a higher risk of flu complications including hospitalization).
The main treatment for influenza illness is as you would expect: rest, staying well hydrated, treating aches and pains when needed, and staying home until feeling much better for over 24 hours. There are two prescription medications that can shorten the duration and lessen the potential complications of influenza infection - Tamiflu and Xofluza. They are most effective when they are started within the first 48 hours of flu symptoms. Studies show that they can shorten the duration of influenza symptoms by about 1 1/2 days, and reduce the chance of flu complications. If you feel your child may have the flu, please call the office and we can evaluate them and guide you with the proper treatment options.
