A parent’s guide to flu.
When should you see your paediatrician?
– Any time you are worried
– Any illness in the first 2 months of life
– A fever of > 39°C in any child under 2 years
– Symptoms that are not improving
How is the flu treated?
Mild symptoms can be treated with medication to treat the fever, cold and cough. Antiviral medication can be given if “caught early” in the first 2 days and can be prescribed by the paediatrician in more severe cases and high-risk patients.
When can my child go back to school?
The flu is very contagious and can be spread for at least a week after falling ill, even when feeling better. Children with flu illness should not attend school, sports, or activities while ill and should stay home until least 24hours after the fever (temp > 37,5°C) has gone.
How can the flu be prevented?
A few practical steps may help to avoid the spread of the virus:
– Practice hand hygiene and wash hands regularly before meals.
– Cough and sneeze into tissue or use elbow, not hands.
– Don’t attend school or activities whilst ill.
– Get vaccinated. Influenza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent getting seriously ill from ‘flu.
