Influenza, or the flu, is a respiratory infection that affects up to 20 percent of the population in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC also notes 36,000 people die each year from flu-related complications. Children, elderly and individuals with a compromised immune system are at the greatest risk for hospitalization and death from influenza. Preventing the flu is possible with a vaccine. Healthy children over the age of 2 may use the nasal spray vaccine called FluMist, which contains a live virus. Like all medications and vaccines, there are possible side effects with taking FluMist.
Step 1
Administer over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce a fever caused by the FluMist nasal spray. A fever greater than 100 degrees F is common in children between the ages of 2 and 6, according to MadImmune, LLC, the manufacturer of the vaccine. Do not give children products containing aspirin. Aspirin can cause a potentially life threatening condition called Reye's Syndrome in children.
Step 2
Dress the child in light clothing and keep the temperature in the room comfortable to prevent overheating.
Step 3
Give a sponge bath or bathe the child in a warm bath to help reduce a fever. Avoid using cold water or ice to try to decrease the body temperature because these measures may increase the possibility of shivering. Shivering may increase the core body temperature.
Step 4
Control a runny nose by increasing the child's fluid intake in order to dilute the live virus in the body from the FluMist vaccine. Clear liquids, warm tea and chicken soup can also provide relief from a runny nose.
Step 5
Give the child a dose of diphendramine to help clear up nasal secretions and the runny nose. This medication is an antihistamine, or allergy medicine, that works to dry secretions. The drug can also help decrease nausea and vomiting.
Step 6
Encourage the child to rest as much as possible because the FluMist vaccine may cause weakness and tiredness. Keeping calm also helps decrease the possibility of causing an increase in body temperature.
Step 7
Treat a sore throat by providing cold drinks and ice pops. Medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help decrease the throat pain and treat possible headaches. Read the package directions for dosage information on the medications. The amount of medication varies from child to child, depending on age and weight.
Step 8
Contact a physician for any breathing problems. Some children may suffer from wheezing in the chest when breathing. Wheezing sounds like a whistling sound when exhaling but may also occur when inhaling. The wheezing needs to be evaluated by a medical professional for proper treatment.
