Children and Flu
With the flu season upon us (incidence tends to peak between November and March in the UK) it is worth trying to understand a little bit about the virus, in order to try and help your family avoid it in the first place, and treat symptoms as best you can.
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 also tend to be contagious for a longer period before actually showing symptoms of flu so they may unwittingly be passing the germs around their friends without you even knowing they have the virus.
Symptoms for children
The symptoms of flu tend to come on much faster than those of a cold, and be more severe. Children tend to share many of the typical symptoms we adults associate with flu - high temperature (fever), sweats, cough, sore throat and sneezing.
Duration
Symptoms tend to peak after 1-2 days, and 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 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.
Strepsils Honey & Lemon* can also help relieve sore throats suffered by children over the age of 6 years. While Karvol Decongestant Capsules* and Drops* can help relieve blocked noses and congestion from 3 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.
