Whereas winter comes with its cosy mornings and shorter days, treating seasonal flu is one other large a part of winter agendas in most households! Seasonal flu is a moderately frequent however extraordinarily tiresome sickness which occurs on the onset of winter. A temperature dip of even a couple of levels at night time, and you could have a severely sick little one within the morning, with a nasty cough and runny nostril. Tell us all about seasonal flu in children.

How is seasonal flu totally different from a typical chilly?

Each have stuffy noses and coughs, however seasonal flu and customary chilly are literally fairly totally different. Dr Neeraj Gupta, Allergist, Pediatric Intensivist and Sleep Specialist explains that the reason for the 2 varies. “Flu is brought on by Influenza virus whereas frequent chilly could also be as a result of different viral infections like RSV, Rhino-, Entero- or Adeno- viruses.”

Additionally, colds may not be so extreme and children may showcase signs comparable to cough, sore throat, sneezing or a stuffy nostril. A chilly can occur anytime, anyplace! “However, seasonal flu is extra frequent in altering climate with excessive grade fever, extreme physique aches, headache and fatigue. Fever can come together with chills. There might be cough and respiration issue. Nostril signs could also be current and of delicate depth,” says Dr Gupta.

Restoration time additionally varies. Flu signs can final for over two weeks however a typical chilly ought to settle in 5 to seven days at max. A flu could require medical care, however a typical chilly takes care of itself typically.

When is a seasonal flu in children harmful?

How severe can a cough, runny nostril and physique ache be? Nicely, there are a couple of tell-tale indicators that you want to be careful for! “These might be excessive grade fever, relentless cough, quick or shallow respiration, chest retractions, bluish discoloration of lips or arms, chilly extremities, extreme headache, decreased urge for food, lethargy or inactivity or elevated irritability, little one not feeling or wanting properly,” says Dr Gupta. In case your little one has these signs, you could take them to a paediatric facility.

One other level to be saved in thoughts is that if the kid has different continual sicknesses like bronchial asthma, immunodeficiency, kidney, liver or coronary heart issues, or on long run medicines which can suppress immunity than flu can create extra issues, advises Dr Gupta.

How contagious is seasonal flu in children?

In case your child occurs to fall sick repeatedly, it’s most likely from different children at college. Flu is contagious and might unfold simply, which is why faculties have college students falling sick one after one other in a single classroom. Dr Gupta says, “The commonest route of unfold is droplet transmission. Viruses can transmit from contaminated to wholesome kids whereas coughing or sneezing throughout their shut proximity. It may unfold quickly in crowded locations like faculties, indoor play areas, cafeterias and others. The virus may also unfold by contact with contaminated fingers,” he says.

Tricks to keep away from seasonal flu in children

Prevention is at all times higher than remedy and there are a lot of easy but sensible methods the place one can work on one’s immunity and total well being and really keep away from a seasonal flu. Some fundamental hygiene components additionally should be taken into consideration. Dr Gupta enlists some sensible methods to maintain seasonal flu at bay.

1. Flu vaccine is one of the best ways for prevention. Any little one between 6 months to five years ought to obtain Influenza vaccine yearly.
2. Adoption of a wholesome life-style is essential. This helps the general well being of a kid.
3. Common hand washing needs to be promoted.
4. Kids should nostril and mouth whereas coughing or sneezing.
5. Used tissues needs to be disposed of rigorously.
6. Keep away from frequent touching of eyes, mouth and nostril.
7. Shut contacts with sick individuals should be prevented and children needs to be evaded member of the family affected by the flu.

How you can deal with seasonal flu at dwelling

• Sufficient hydration is the important thing to recovering properly and encourages total well being and properly being as properly.
• Symptomatic administration like antipyretic for fever and heat saline gargles are useful.
• Room temperature needs to be in comfy vary (22-24’C) with noise free soothing atmosphere
• The kid ought to get sufficient relaxation, which can assist in strengthening the immune system.
• A cough syrup or anti-microbial can be utilized. However this needs to be used solely after doctor session.