Flu (influenza) in children: symptoms, duration and treatment of flu
What is influenza?
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an acute infectious disease caused by the influenza virus. It causes epidemics worldwide, typically during the colder months. It spreads rapidly through droplets, putting children, especially preschoolers, at high risk due to their not yet fully developed hygiene habits (frequent runny noses, coughing, and sneezing without covering their mouths, close contact with other children in group settings).
What is the incubation period and what are the symptoms of influenza?
The period from contact with an infected person to the development of symptoms is short, ranging from 1 to 4 days. In children, the illness often does not follow a typical course. The most common symptom is a high fever accompanied by respiratory symptoms (runny nose, coughing, sore throat, hoarseness), while some children may predominantly experience gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea and vomiting.
How to treat influenza in children?
If the child feels better, behaves normally, eats, drinks fluids, and the fever reduces with medication, the illness generally follows a non-threatening course. Symptomatic treatment at home is recommended, which includes reducing the fever and ensuring the child drinks plenty of fluids.
What are the complications of influenza in children?
The younger the child, the higher the risk of complications. Complications can be due to the virus itself or secondary bacterial infections (most commonly bacterial ear infections or sinusitis, less frequently bronchitis and pneumonia). Rare and severe complications include febrile seizures, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), meningitis and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and bacteremia or sepsis (penetration of bacteria in the bloodstream).
Signs of complications in children
Signs that may indicate complications and a more severe course of illness include:
High fever that does not respond well to medication or is accompanied by chills
Severe headache or ear pain
Pronounced drowsiness, lethargy, or difficulty waking up
Frequent and severe coughing
Rapid and labored breathing
Repeated vomiting
Appearance of a rash
These signs require an immediate medical examination.
Should children be vaccinated against influenza?
Vaccination against influenza is highly recommended, particularly for children under 5 years of age (noting that vaccines are registered for infants older than 6 months), individuals with chronic illnesses, healthcare workers, and those working with children in kindergartens and schools. Currently available quadrivalent vaccines contain four strains of the virus that circulated in the previous season, providing 70-80% protection.
Pregnant women are also at high risk for severe influenza, and vaccination during the second or third trimester is advised to protect both the mother and the unborn child, as well as the newborn in the first few months of life.
Influenza vaccination for children at Salvea Polyclinic
Contact us today to learn more about influenza vaccination available for your children at the Salvea Polyclinic.
