Reasons Why Your Child Is Vulnerable To Flu

Monsoon is here in it's full rage, which means it is time for us mommies to prepare for the seasonal infections. We all know school becomes a breeding ground for infections that spread from one child to the other and some serious viruses such as the flu virus, which cannot and should not be ignored.

Did you know that each year 3 to 5 million cases* are reported with influenza virus worldwide? It is a serious disease, which can lead to hospitalization and if left unattended, it may result in death. It is necessary to prevent influenza to decrease the number of cases of asthma, upper respiratory tract infections in the age group of 2-5 years, ear infections in children less than 3 years, wheezing and pneumonia.

Therefore, it becomes important for us moms to know all about Influenza, its effects, prevention, and cure. Here are a few reasons why your child is vulnerable to flu

1)Flu is highly contagious and spreads easily

Influenza is commonly known as the flu. It is a respiratory illness caused by a Type A & B Virus. It affects the lungs, nose, and throat. It is highly contagious and spreads through the air from sneezes or coughs.

2) One sneeze or hand-to-hand touch with an infected child is all it takes for this dangerous virus to spread

If your child comes in any contact with another infected child or touches an infected surface area such as desks in the classroom, notebooks, doorknobs and then puts his/ her hands in mouth or nose, and skin-to-skin contact like handshakes, saliva (like sharing drinks) can cause flu.

3) Flu can be easily confused with the common cold

While you may think your child has a cold, it could be serious than that. You can confuse the flu with the common cold. If your child is running a high fever for days and is complaining of muscle or joint pain, you should immediately see your doctor. Your doctor will check the nose and throat, and conduct a swab test to confirm the flu. Symptoms of flu can be from mild to severe. The most common symptoms are high fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle & joint pain, headache, coughing, sneezing & feeling tired.

4) Flu virus keeps changing

Children under the age of 5 years are more exposed to the virus. And, this virus undergoes changes. New virus strains are formed every year. So even if your child got the vaccine this year, the antibodies developed by one vaccine will have zero effect in the coming year as that virus may be different. Therefore, it is important to take flu shots every year.

What to do in case your child has flu?

If your child gets infected, he/she should take plenty of rest and drink enough fluids. No antibiotics should be taken. However, fever-controlling medicine can be taken but consulting your doctor for advice is important.

Common Season to be infected with Flu

In India, generally places with heavy monsoons experience the presence of the influenza virus. The best way to prevent the flu is to take the vaccine. Get your child vaccinated every year to protect him/her effectively against the flu^. Ask your pediatrician to know more about the flu vaccination

Prevention is better than cure, is a phrase which holds a lot of importance. It is necessary to be well-informed, spread awareness and take appropriate actions before it strikes down our family, especially our little ones. Today, I am aware of the fact that Influenza is dangerous but it can be prevented through vaccination. Hence, I take the pledge, #IPromiseToStopFlu. Have you taken the pledge yet?
(*Reference: Centres For Disease Control and Prevention, Flu Symptoms and Complications available at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/complications.htm Accessed January 24, 2018
^Reference: Centres For Disease Control and Prevention, Frequently Asked Flu Questions 2018-2019 Influenza Season available at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/flu-season-2018-2019.htm )

This article is meant to help create awareness and spread knowledge. Any decision regarding your health and child's health should be done after consultation with your doctor. Read my full disclosure here. While all efforts are made to keep articles updated, the speed of research in these fields mean the information often may change when more research knowledge is available. The authors should be in no way held responsible in that case.
 
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views of solely the blogger. This is a part of the public awareness initiative on influenza supported by Sanofi Pasteur India. Sanofi Pasteur bears no responsibility for the content of the blog. One should consult their healthcare provider for any health-related information.