The flu is highly contagious and babies are especially susceptible as their immune systems are not fully developed. The flu can cause babies to become very tired and irritable, or lead to more complicated problems resulting in hospitalization. It is important to limit contact between other children, infected individuals and babies. Practicing good health and hygiene around babies and understanding the common signs and symptoms of the flu can help keep infants flu-free.
The Flu
Women Health Guide states that the flu is a virus that causes infection in the nose, throat and lungs. It is easily spread through air droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze, and by contact with infected surfaces or hands. The flu circulates during the winter months, primarily from October through March and varies in severity from year to year. It is of vital importance for the whole family to practice good hand washing, proper coughing and sneezing techniques and disposal of tissues to help prevent the spread of the flu.
Increased Risk
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children under the age of 5 are at an increased risk of flu-related complications, leading to potential doctor's visits and hospitalization. Health implications related to the flu include pneumonia, dehydration, worsening of long-term medical problems such as heart disease or asthma, sinus problems and ear infections. The biggest concern in children is dehydration from consistent fevers, diarrhea and vomiting.
Vaccination
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all children, from 6 months of age until at least their fifth birthday, receive a flu vaccine every fall or winter. Neither the flu vaccine nor the prescription influenza antiviral drugs, which are used to treat and prevent the flu, are approved for safe use in children less than 6 months of age. For this reason, it is of utmost importance to safeguard infants against the flu.
Symptoms
It is not easy to tell whether a baby has the flu as the symptoms are exceptionally similar to those of other infantile illnesses. March of Dimes reports that the first signs will be a runny nose, sore throat, cough, general lethargy and decreased appetite. Other symptoms include the sudden onset of fever, chills, congestion and muscle aches. The flu can also bring on abdominal pain, diarrhea and even vomiting. These symptoms last approximately four to six days; however, the cough may linger for up to two weeks.
When to Call the Doctor
Whenever parents feel their child is unusually sick, they should go to the doctor. Also, if the child is 3 months or younger and has a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, is between 3 and 6 months and has a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or is 6 months or older and has a fever of 103 degrees Fahrenheit, he should be examined for serious infection. Other reasons to call the doctor include a cough that develops and does not improve after one week; an ear ache; wheezing or shortness of breath; dehydration; or when a child becomes sick shortly after bouncing back from having the flu.
Treatment
North Carolina Women's Hospital says that the best treatment for the flu among babies is to provide rest and plenty of fluids. Parents should feed their infants breast milk or formula every two to three hours, and if the baby is eating solids, offer her frozen fruit bars to encourage extra liquid consumption. Soup and broth will also help ease congestion as well as provide fluid. Always consult a health care provide before giving the infant a pain reliever or other medication. With proper sleep and hydration, the fever will eventually break and the child's appetite will return.
