The flu is caused by the flu virus. It differs from the common cold because in the beginning the two diseases are caused by different viruses. But the important thing is that the common cold is a much milder disease and the child treats it much easier. Complications of the flu are also much more common than the common cold. The reason we compare the two diseases is because the symptoms they cause are quite similar.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
They have a fever which is usually high. The other symptoms are headache, easy fatigue, cough which is usually dry, sore throat, runny nose and muscle aches. Children may also experience vomiting and diarrhea.
How is the flu transmitted?
The most common way is with the droplets emitted by the patient when coughing or sneezing. These droplets contain the virus and if a person in the patient's area inhales these droplets then they can get sick. Rarely, the virus can be transmitted from objects that have dropped small droplets and then touched a child.
For how long does the patient transmit the virus?
The patient transmits the virus one day before the onset of symptoms up to seven days after the onset of symptoms.
How to prevent the disease
1. Vaccination. The vaccination is given at the beginning of the winter season and protects the child for one year. Vaccination indications are announced by the competent bodies of each country. For Greece and Cyprus, vaccination in high-risk groups is definitely appropriate. For children who do not belong to high-risk groups, it is a good idea to discuss this with your pediatrician. In America, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends for 2008-2009 the vaccination of all children aged 6 months to 18 years. In European countries there are different recommendations depending on the policy of each country. 2. Observance of rules of proper hygiene.
i. Wash your hands regularly.
ii. Avoid rubbing your nose, mouth, mouth and eyes with your hands.
iii. Avoid close contact with flu patients.
iv. Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief when you sneeze or cough.
v. If you get sick stay at home so you do not spread the disease to other people.
Are there people who are more at risk from the flu?
In fact, young children (6-24 months), the elderly and pregnant women are at greater risk if they catch the flu.
How is the flu diagnosed?
The diagnosis is usually made by clinical examination by a doctor. However, there are appropriate tests that the doctor may request.
How it is treated
There are antiviral drugs that can be prescribed by your doctor. But at the same time you have to do the following:
1. Rest at home.
2. Get plenty of fluids.
3. Avoid smoking and alcohol.
4. For fever, avoid giving aspirin to the child. Use other antipyretic drugs.
5. Antibiotics are not needed.
High risk groups for vaccination
1. People over the age of 65
2. Residents of nursing homes or other institutions with tenants with chronic diseases.
3. Children and adults with chronic diseases of the lungs or cardiovascular system.
4. People with chronic kidney disease.
5. People with chronic metabolic disease, including diabetes.
6. People with HIV infection.
7. Immunosuppressed individuals.
8. People with sickle cell disease or other hemoglobinopathies.
9. Children and adolescents in need of long-term aspirin therapy.
10. Pregnant women who are in the 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy during the winter should be vaccinated in the fall, because pregnancy increases the risk of complications if they get the flu.
11. Persons in the environment of patients belonging to the aforementioned high-risk groups such as:
- Medical nursing and paramedical staff
- Staff in nursing homes and other institutions with tenants with chronic diseases.
-People in the immediate family environment of the patient.
12. People who are going to travel to countries where there is or is expected to be a flu pandemic.
13. Veterinary Services Officers and poultry farmers.
Source: Paidiatros.com