Tips For This Flu Season
Thinking of our babies and young children getting the flu can feel very scary. During this season, which has been long and full of respiratory illnesses, thinking about another sickness can be particularly overwhelming. Here are some things to know that will help you feel calmer and confident managing it at home.
What To Know
Flu is a respiratory condition that we see in the winter months. There are a few different types (A, B, C), and we have been seeing a lot of Influenza A (and B) this season. Since flu viruses change their structure regularly, we are exposed to new kinds of the virus each year.
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE. Flu symptoms include high fevers (even up to 103F-105F), cough, runny nose/congestion, sore throat, body aches, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, and/or fatigue. Compared with a regular cold, fevers tend to be higher, body aches are more pronounced, and fatigue is notable - kids with the flu are TIRED, want to sleep a lot - kids may be exceptionally cranky.
HOW IT IS TRANSMITTED. Flu is passed from person to person in the air through respiratory droplets like coughing or sneezing. It can live for a short time on contaminated surfaces (doorknobs, counters, toys, etc.).
How Long Is It Contagious?
The flu is typically most contagious 1 day before symptoms start and for the first 3-4 days of illness. People can be contagious until about 7 days afterward - after that time, there is a much lower risk of infecting others.
What to Do
Take a deep breath. You can do this, I promise. Here are some things to do at home to manage your child’s symptoms.
COUGH. Honey for kids > 1 year old and small sips of warm apple juice for children who have started solids.
CONGESTION. Steam, humidifier, nasal saline and suction.
FEVER. If your child seems comfortable and is resting and hydrated, you just need to keep them comfortable (lukewarm baths, cool drinks to help). If they are uncomfortable, seem in pain, or aren’t able to rest and stay hydrated, then you can use medication as needed to help.
FLUIDS. Staying hydrated is key to recovery - it helps with dehydration from fever and cough, and it will also help with comfort.
REST. As much as you and they are able. Relax screen time rules, take time to slow down and let them sleep as much as they need. Your child may not want to eat much (this is normal and will come back in time), but do your best to keep them hydrated.
When to Seek Help
If your child is having high fevers for more than 5 days, a worsening cough, trouble breathing (see my Instagram reel on how to check your baby’s breathing), wheezing or increased work of breathing, dehydration, decreased responsiveness/lethargy, change in color, or with any questions or concerns, seek medical help immediately.
The Flu Shot and Other Questions
The CDC does recommend the flu vaccine every year for children 6 months and older. Kids who are receiving the vaccine for the first time (or who have not received 2 or more total doses of any flu vaccine) require two doses of the flu vaccine 4 weeks apart.
Though we do see the flu in kids who have gotten the flu vaccine, it does help to mitigate symptoms and prevent against serious illness. We will see how effective this year’s vaccine is as the season progresses (it is still early in the flu season, and it is hard to predict how long it will last this year). In the meantime, do your best at home with healthy habits and care if your family does get sick. I know it’s a lot, but you’ll get through it.
Sending you a big hug,
Anjuli
Sources:
https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/vaccine-education-center/vaccine-details/influenza-vaccine
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2022-2023.htm
