The Flu
January 2004
What is “the flu” and why is everyone talking about it this year?
“The flu” is an illness caused by a virus called “Influenza.” This year, the flu has been getting a lot of media coverage due to the vaccine shortages. However, it is important to know that most people who get the flu recover without any difficulty.
What are the symptoms of “the flu”?
The flu causes different symptoms in different people. Most cases of the flu last 5-10 days. Someone with the flu may have any combination of the following:
When should a parent worry about their child with the flu?
Most children with the flu can be treated at home with rest, fluids, fever control (acetominophen or ibuprofen; NEVER ASPIRIN), and other over the counter flu remedies (decongestants, cough medication).
Any time a child is unable to keep down fluids due to vomiting and shows signs of dehydration (decreased urination, dry lips, sunken eyes, loss of energy) they need to be seen by a doctor.
Also, a small number of children with the flu will develop pneumonia and will need to treated with antibiotics and/or hospitalized. Some signs of pneumonia include severe cough, prolonged high fevers, and difficulty breathing.
How can parents stop the spread of the flu?
The most important thing to know is that the flu virus is most contagious for the first 24 hours – before there are even any symptoms! Also, the flu virus can live for a little while on doorknobs, telephones, cups and utensils. So, good handwashing at all times is the key to preventing the spread of influenza. Also, teaching children (and adults!) to cover their mouths and noses when coughing and sneezing can also prevent the spread of the virus to other people.
Is there a treatment for the flu?
The best treatment is prevention with the vaccine which is available every year in the fall.
In the last few years, antiviral medications have been developed to help shorten the duration of the flu illness. These medicines are only approved for certain ages of children and adults and must be given within the first 24 to 48 hours of the illness in order to be effective. Ask your doctor about these medications if you are interested.
Update: 2004 Flu Vaccine Shortage
California healthcare providers have been directed to refrain from immunizing healthy individuals in order to ensure vaccine supply is limited to California's high-risk populations.
High-risk categories are:
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Children 6-23 months
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Adults 65 years and older
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Persons 2-64 years of age with chronic medical conditions
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Women who will be pregnant during flu season
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Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
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Persons 6 months to 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy
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Health care workers with direct patient care
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Household and out-of-home caregivers of children 0-6 months of age
Individuals in these high-risk categories are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider, call the flu hotline at 877-358-0202, and/or visit the San Diego CHIP website at www.sdchip.org for information regarding flu vaccination sites in San Diego County.
Flu Shot Alternatives
The live attenuated intranasal flu vaccine (FluMist) is a reasonable option for healthy, nonpregnant persons between 5 and 49 years of age. Administered by your doctor, FluMist works as a nasal spray that helps your body to develop disease-fighting antibodies. Efficacy is comparable to the inactivated injectable flu vaccine.
© Children's Specialists of San Diego | Medical News Archive
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