According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States approximately "5% to 20% of the population gets the flu" every year. The flu, or influenza, is an airborne virus, making it very contagious. Flu vaccines are available from physicians that can reduce the risk of a child getting the flu, but because the flu virus constantly mutates, the vaccine is not foolproof and is not 100 percent effective. The biggest risk associated with the flu is dehydration. Home treatment involves keeping your child hydrated and comfortable.
The swine flu, although a big fear for many parents, usually does not produce severe illness. In fact, symptoms associated with the swine flu are often mistaken for a bad case of a more common flu. Home treatment for the swine flu is the same as it is for the regular flu.
Fever
Children tend to get high fevers when they get the flu. The Global Children's Fund recommends seeking care from a physician if your child's temperature reaches the following:
3 months of age and below: 100.4 F
3 months to 6 months: 101 F
6 months and above: 103 F
A child at any age whose temperature reaches 105 F or above should be taken to the emergency room.
To reduce the discomfort associated with a fever, place a washcloth that has been moistened with cold water on your child's forehead. Give your child ibuprofen to reduce the fever, according to the ibuprofen label directions. Do not give your child aspirin or products that contain aspirin. Aspirin can cause a fatal condition called Reye's syndrome when given to children with fevers.
Offer your child plenty of water, juice and clear fluids to prevent dehydration.
Headache
Headaches caused by a flu are often quite severe and painful. An ibuprofen or acetaminophen pain reliever can be given to the child to reduce the headache pain. Read the pain reliever label to figure out the proper dosage to give your child.
Fatigue
The immune system works hard to fight the flu virus. This takes a toll on the body and creates a feeling of fatigue. The best way to handle fatigue is bed rest. Sleep and rest allow the body to save energy to fight the virus.
Dry Cough and Sore Throat
The flu causes a sore throat and dry cough in some children. A dry cough further irritates sore throat symptoms. To soothe sore throat and dry cough symptoms in children who are over 1 year old, offer your child herbal tea that has been sweetened with honey. Place a humidifier in your child's room to moisten the air, which helps to relieve sore and dry throats.
Runny or Stuffy Nose
Runny and stuffy nose symptoms can make a child feel miserable. It is best to treat these symptoms without the use of medications. The FDA "recommends that over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products not be used for infants and children under 2 years of age." Runny and stuffy nose symptoms can be treated by clearing the nose using saline nasal sprays. Older children can clear their nose on their own by blowing into a tissue. To clear a younger child's nose, use a bulb syringe. Saline (salt water) nasal sprays are good to use for stuffy noses. The saline nasal spray thins the mucous in the sinuses, which helps the nose to drain the mucous.
Aches
Aches and pains are a common complaint with the flu. The aches can be felt anywhere in the body where muscles exist. Relieve muscle aches by making a warm bath for your child to soak in or place washcloths moistened with warm water on the aching areas. You can also give your child an ibuprofen or acetaminophen pain reliever to relieve muscle aches. Read the pain reliever label to determine the proper dosage for your child.
Nausea, Vomiting and Diarrhea
Some children experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea when they have the flu. These symptoms are more common in children than they are in adults. The most serious danger associated with vomiting and diarrhea is dehydration. Prevent dehydration by offering plenty of water and clear fluids. For a child who cannot hold down fluids, try offering only a few sips at a time. If your child still cannot hold fluids down despite small amounts being offered at a time, call your doctor.
If your child is hungry offer easy-to-digest foods such as plain crackers, toast or bread.
