The flu, or influenza, can have devastating effects on children. Most of the deaths attributed to the H1N1 virus were in children and in adults with chronic health problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), around 20,000 children under the age of five are hospitalized each year due to complications of influenza infections. Also, children are at higher risk of death from influenza. The CDC has several recommendations about the flu in children, for both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu.
Vaccination
The most important flu recommendation for children is to get the yearly flu shot. The CDC recommends that all children from age 6 months to 19 years of age get the seasonal flu vaccine. The vaccine is not approved for children less than 6 months of age. These infants are therefore at a higher risk category for infection, so it is important for those who are around the baby to get vaccinated. Children receiving the flu shot for the first time need two doses, with the second dose at least 28 days after the first dose. After this, they only need one yearly shot at the before the start of flu season. The H1N1 flu vaccine required two shots as well for children up to 9 years old.
Medicines
There are several antiviral medicines that are recommended for children with the flu. The two most frequently used drugs are oseltamivir (trade name Tamiflu®) or zanamivir (trade name Relenza®). The CDC recommends these medicine be used only in children who are hospitalized with suspected or proven severe influenza infection; and people and children who are at higher risk of developing complications of the flu, such as children with immune deficiencies and other chronic conditions, like asthma. Also, these medicines are recommended for a child who is sick and is deteriorating clinically. There is no recommendation for using these medicines routinely to prevent infection after being exposed to someone with the flu.
Infection Control
The flu is highly contagious, especially among children in school or daycare setting. The CDC recommends that children with flu-like illnesses stay home until at least 24 hours after the fever ends without the use of fever-reducing medicines. Also proper hand hygiene, frequent cleanings with soap and water or with an antibacterial hand rub, and covering the child's mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing helps minimize the spread of the virus.
