Each of us is scared from year to year by an insidious respiratory infection called the flu. Usually the cause of an epidemic is seasonal (normal) flu. The difference every time is only in the modified species of the virus. It’s either bird’s or pig’s ... But the symptoms, course and treatment are often the same. In the article, we will consider what flu is, symptoms, treatment and prevention of this disease.
The main route of transmission of the virus is airborne (when talking, coughing, sneezing). A contact path through handshakes, money, toys is also possible.
The influenza virus primarily affects the respiratory system. In severe cases, it affects the nervous, cardiovascular and other systems.
Symptoms of influenza in children .
General malaise. The child complains of weakness, pain in the joints and eyeballs, headache. Often he becomes lethargic, moody, lies for a long time on the bed. High intoxication of the child's body leads to nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. The child refuses to eat.
Temperature. The disease comes on suddenly. Overnight, the child's temperature rises to 39 ° C. But for a long time it does not hold, on the third or fourth day it drops to 37.5 ° C, and soon it completely becomes normal.
Cough and runny nose. If a cough appears on day 2, this may be evidence of a complication of the disease. A runny nose most often does not happen, the nose is dry and itchy.
If the temperature rises again on day 4 or 5, a cough and sore throat, a runny nose, and symptoms indicate a complication of influenza. Children remain contagious to others until the seventh day from the onset of the disease.
Influenza treatment in children . The main thing is to create comfortable conditions for the child's body to fight infection.
1. Consult a doctor about the condition of the child and the exclusion of another pathology.
2. Prepare a room for a sick child: remove soft toys, carpets from it, do wet cleaning (it must be done daily), ventilate the room (it must be done three to four times a day, the child must be taken out of the room for this time). The temperature in the room should not be higher than 20º. Humidify the air in the room. Turn off the lights at home and provide your child peace and quiet.
3. Allow the body to fight infection and do not abuse antipyretic drugs. Reduce the temperature deliberately and slowly to 37.8 ° C - 37.2 ° C. The use of aspirin is strictly prohibited and can lead to the development of Reye's syndrome. Periodically irrigate the baby’s mucous membrane with saline.
4. Do not force the child to eat. Let him eat a little, but often. As light food, flour products, vegetables and fruits are suitable. Offer him a large amount of drink, which will help reduce intoxication and cope with dehydration (lingonberry and cranberry juice, raspberry and linden tea, etc.).
Subject to the conditions of rest and heavy drinking, the disease disappears after about five to seven days.
Influenza Prevention in Children and Adults .
Avoid crowds during an epidemic. Feel free to use disposable masks in such places and change them every three to four hours. If it is not possible to purchase disposable masks, wash the reusable gauze bandage regularly in soapy water and then iron it on both sides.
Influenza prophylaxis in children and adults is subject to hand hygiene. Try to wash your hands often, or use antiseptic wipes.
Stay at least a meter from a sick person.
If possible, do not touch the mouth, nose, eyes. Avoid handshakes, kisses and hugs. If you sneeze and cough, cover your mouth with a napkin, which should then be thrown into the trash. If there is no wipe, cough and sneeze into the bend of the elbow.
Influenza prophylaxis in children with the help of immune preparations. Consult with a pediatrician about the need for the appointment of immunomodulators and immunostimulants for prophylactic purposes.
Get vaccinated. Vaccination is currently the most reliable flu prevention in children and adults.