Children and Flu
When flu strikes, it helps to understand a little bit about the virus. The flu 'season' in the UK is between November and March, when incidence tends to peak. That way, you can treat symptoms as best you can or, better still, try and help your family avoid it in the first place.
Children are more susceptible
Anyone can catch flu, but children may be particularly susceptible, particularly when in close proximity to other children at school or nursery. This is partly because flu germs are spread like the common cold, via droplets that are released from the nose or mouth when someone coughs or sneezes. Children and babies with colds or flu also tend to be contagious for a longer period before actually showing symptoms so they may unwittingly be passing the germs around their friends without you even knowing they have the virus.
Cold and flu symptoms for children
The symptoms of flu tend to come on much faster and be more severe than those of a cold. Children usually share many of the typical symptoms adults associate with flu - high temperature (fever), sweats, cough, sore throat and sneezing.
Duration
Symptoms tend to peak after one or two days, then gradually ease over several days. An irritating cough may persist for a week or so after other symptoms have gone but rest assured that most children will have completely recovered within a week or two.
How you can help
If your sick baby or child does exhibit flu-like symptoms, make sure they drink plenty of fluids and have lots of rest. Over-the-counter products that you have tried and trusted as an adult sometimes have specially created formulations for children. Nurofen for Children Singles* (contains ibuprofen) can help relieve aches and pains associated with flu and, importantly, help reduce a high temperature. In fact nothing works faster or for longer to bring down a fever in children.
Strepsils Honey & Lemon* can also help relieve sore throats suffered by children over the age of six years. While Karvol Decongestant Capsules* and Drops* can help relieve blocked noses and congestion from three months.
If you are worried about any type of flu contact your GP and they will be able to tell you whether antiviral drugs would be appropriate for your child. Antivirals shorten the symptoms by about a day and can reduce the risk of complications; however they are most effective if taken within 48 hours of symptoms starting.
For more information about flu, check out (link to flu and you website) which has a number of downloadable leaflets on the condition, or go to the (Dettol flu centre link) for in-depth information on flu, and how you can protect yourself and your family.
*Always read the label.
