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Flu Prevention
Flu Prevention
You Can Help STOP the SPREAD of Influenza
Flu Prevention
Influenza (flu) is a very contagious viral infection that affects the air passages of the lungs. It causes a high fever, body aches, a cough, and other symptoms. It is one of the most severe and common viral illnesses of the winter season.
A flu virus is often passed from child to child through sneezing or coughing. The virus can live for a short time on surfaces, including doorknobs, toys, pens or pencils, keyboards, phones and tablets, and countertops.
People with the flu are most contagious:
24 hours before symptoms start and while symptoms are most active.
The risk of infecting others usually stops around day 7 of the illness.
-
- Fever, which may be as high as 103°F to 105°F
- Body Aches, which may be severe.
- Headache
- Sore Throat
- Cough that get worse.
- Tiredness
- Runny or Stuffy Nose
In some cases, your child may also have symptoms such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
-
It’s important to note that a cold and the flu have different symptoms:
A cold is usually mild and often goes away after a few days. The flu can cause severe symptoms and lead to problems such as pneumonia and even death. The symptoms of the flu can be like other health conditions.
Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.Cold Symptoms
- Low or No Fever
- Sometimes a Headache
- Stuffy or Runny Nose
- Sneezing
- Mild, Hacking Cough
- Mild Body Aches
- Mild Tiredness
- Sore Throat
Flu Symptoms
- High Fever
- Headache in Most Cases
- Clear Nose, or Stuffy Nose in Some Cases
- Sneezing in Some Cases
- Cough, Often Turning Severe
- Severe Body Aches
- Severe Tiredness That Can Last for Weeks
- Sore Throat in Some Cases
Treating the Flu
Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the
Teddy Bear with cough syrupcondition is. The goal of treatment is to help prevent or ease symptoms.
Treatment may include medicines such as:
- Acetaminophen. This is to help lessen body aches and fever. Don't give aspirin to a child with a fever.
- Cough medicine. This may be prescribed by your child’s healthcare provider.
- Antiviral medicine. This may help to ease symptoms, and shorten the length of illness. This medicine does not cure the flu. The medicine must be started within 2 days after symptoms begin.
Talk with your healthcare providers about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of all medicines.
Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. The goal of treatment is to help prevent or ease symptoms.
Treatment may include medicines such as:
- Acetaminophen. This is to help lessen body aches and fever. Don't give aspirin to a child with a fever.
- Cough medicine. This may be prescribed by your child’s healthcare provider.
- Antiviral medicine. This may help to ease symptoms, and shorten the length of illness. This medicine does not cure the flu. The medicine must be started within 2 days after symptoms begin.
Talk with your healthcare providers about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of all medicines.
Also make sure your child:
Gets Lots of Rest in Bed
and Drinks Plenty of Fluids.
For more information on how you can protect yourself and your family against the flu virus visit the Center for Disease Control website.