What to do when your child has a flu.

Flu

Flu is not as simple as we thought. It is caused by a virus and it is transferred from one person to another through coughing, sneezing, sharing of eating utensils and having a direct contact with people sick from it. Recovery can be expected in 1-2 weeks time, but there are instances when the infection may develop to life-threatening complications.

Children are mostly at risk because their immune system is not yet as developed as to that of the adults although, it affects all ages.

Symptoms:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weakness or feelings of fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Joint aches
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Cold
• Irritated, watery eyes
• Fever and chills 

What to do when your child is down with fl?

• Give paracetamol to relieve the fever and pain.
• Rest and plenty of water are necessary.
• Monitor the temperature.
• If fever persists and your child is shivering or is having chills, better consult a doctor. 

Caution: 

• Don’t give aspirin to your children.
• Flu is caused by a virus so don’t give your child antibiotics unless your pedia instructs you to. (antibiotics are for bacteria caused diseases)

Prevention:

• Prevention is better than cure. Have your child vaccinated against flu.
• Teach your child to practice good personal hygiene, like proper hand washing. Hand sanitizers are also a great help when hand washing can’t be possible.
• Teach your child to avoid touching his eyes, nose mouth and to cover her mouth and nose when someone sneezes or coughs near or in front of him.