Childhood illnesses are an unavoidable part of being a kid. However, some illnesses are more severe than others. Each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 20,000 kids are hospitalized for complications related to flu. Symptom-based treatments are appropriate for all kids. Kids under 5 and kids with chronic medical problems may need antiviral drugs to help them fight the flu.
Symptom-Based Treatment
Symptom-based treatment is aimed at providing relief from symptoms in order to make the child more comfortable. It does not, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), change the course or outcome of the infection. Many kids find that flu-related fever, headaches, body pain and/or cough make it difficult to rest. There are a number of over-the-counter remedies designed to treat these complaints; however, not all of them are approved for use in kids. The AAFP recommends pain relievers that contain acetaminophen--Children's Tylenol, for example--to treat fever and soothe headaches and muscle aches and pains. Cough and cold medicines are not recommended for kids, especially those under 2 because there is little evidence the medicines are effective. Whatever medication you choose, always consult the instructions--doses are different for children than adults.
Tamiflu
Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) is a prescription antiviral drug that works by interfering with the way the influenza virus spreads in a person's body. Tamiflu should be given as soon as possible after symptoms begin. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe Tamiflu for a child who is not yet sick, in order to prevent him from ever developing the flu. According to MedlinePlus, Tamiflu is FDA-approved for the treatment or prevention of swine flu (2009 H1N1) in children of any age. It is FDA-approved for the treatment or prevention of seasonal flu in children over 1. It comes in both a capsule and liquid form for younger kids.
Relenza
Relenza (zanamivir inhalation) is a prescription antiviral drug that works the same way as Tamiflu. Unlike Tamiflu, Relenza is dispensed as a powder that is inhaled through the mouth using a device called a diskhaler. Relenza is FDA-approved for the treatment of seasonal and swine flu (H1N1 2009) in kids 7 and up. According to MedlinePlus, it is FDA-approved for the prevention of seasonal and swine flu (H1N1 2009) in kids 5 and up. Relenza may not be prescribed for kids with certain kinds of lung problems such as asthma because it can make these symptoms worse. It contains lactose, so it's also not for kids with milk allergies.
