Influenza infections affect families most often during the winter season, typically striking school-age children first. Germs are spread through the child's contact with other infected children and failure to properly wash hands and clean school furniture and equipment. Most children recover from the flu without any lasting side effects, but rapid recovery requires following a regimen involving rest and hydration. KidsHealth warns caregivers never to give aspirin to young children. Even when the flu symptoms include a cough, KidsHealth also cautions against giving cough medication to children under 2 years of age.
Step 1
Observe your child for coughing, hoarseness from a sore throat, or excessive perspiration. Take your child's temperature and ask about the location of any pain or aches. Note also other related flu-like symptoms, including diarrhea, chills, runny nose, hearing problems or sinus problems.
Step 2
Prepare your child's room for recovery. Create a quiet, dim area to encourage resting and sleep. Provide clean tissues and a washable container as a portable option for a child with frequent bouts of vomiting.
Step 3
Make liquids available to your child and encourage use, but avoid drinks with caffeine, such as soda, since they contribute to dehydration. Add a small, sturdy table by the bed so the child has access to fluids at all times during the day and night. The liquids hydrate the body after vomiting and during a fever.
Step 4
Regularly administer medications, if prescribed, and monitor your child's breathing, temperature and flu symptoms. If your doctor prescribed aspirin as a part of your child's treatment, record the times the medication is given during the day and night.
Tips and Warnings
- Reduce the risk of flu infection by washing your hands with soap and warm water after touching any infected surface, including cleaning germs from household surfaces. Visit your pediatrician or nurse practitioner. Since flu symptoms resemble other illnesses, a professional diagnosis informs parents about the suspected disease and identifies home treatment protocol. Flu is a serious disease. In cases of serious infection, doctors order prescription medications to treat the conditions and any related illnesses, including pneumonia.
Things You'll Need
- Disposable bags
- Cool drinks
- Water
- Warm bath
- Clean bedding
- Thermometer
References
- KidsHealth; Tips for Treating the Flu; Steven Dowshen; November 2010
- KidsHealth: Flu Instruction Sheet
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Wash Your Hands; July 2011
- KidsHealth: Infections: Reye Syndrome
- American Red Cross; Red Cross Offers Flu-Prevention Tips for Kids; April 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Flu Facts
