According to data from the World Health Organization, the seasonal influence affects between 20% and 30% of children every year, and the little ones are at greater risk of developing complications, such as pneumonia or dehydration
Nina has just started her second year of nursery. During the first year he fell ill often, and transmitted one of his strongest influences to his grandmother, who takes care of her when he does not go to school and mom and dad are at work. Now the parents, to protect the little girl and the people who take care of her, ask the pediatrician if it is appropriate to do something.
With the arrival of the colder months, theinfluence in children becomes a concern common For many parents (even more if the little ones spend a lot of time in contact with fragile or elderly people). Although most cases resolve without complications, it is important to recognize the symptoms of this infectious disease, know how to prevent it and know the best remedies to face it effectively.
First of all, it is important to underline that the influence in children often spreads in the places where children find themselves in close contact, such as kindergartens and nursery schools. So what to do?
What is influence and how widespread it is in children
The flu is an infectious disease caused by a virus belonging to the Orthomyxoviridae family, It is mainly transmitted by airthrough saliva droplets and respiratory secretions emitted with cough or sneezing shots. Once you enter the body, the virus attacks the cells of the respiratory epithelium, starting an inflammatory process that generates the characteristic symptoms of the flu.
Our immune system responds In fact, the infection with a strong inflammatory response that causes systemic symptoms such as high fever, muscle pain and tiredness. In children, the immune system is still under development, therefore the children are more susceptible to the infection and its complications.
The flu is one of the most common infectious diseases among children, with higher incidence rates in children under 5 years (and above all under 2 years). According to data from the World Health Organization, the seasonal influence affects between 20% and 30% of children every year, and the little ones are at greater risk of developing complications, such as pneumonia or dehydration.
The influence in children, as mentioned, quickly spreads in kindergartens and schools, where direct contact and sharing spaces and objects facilitate the transmission of the virus. Even if most of the small heals without particular problems, the rapid diffusion of influence in these communities can contribute to seasonal epidemics who put the health system under pressure.
What are the symptoms of influence in children?
THE Symptoms of influence in children They can be easily confused with those of many other diseases of viral origin, but there are some characteristics that allow you to distinguish it. Among the most common symptoms of influence in children we find:
- high fever (often above 38 ° C);
- chills and sweating;
- dry cough;
- muscle and joint pain;
- sore throat;
- tiredness and weakness;
- heachache;
- nausea or vomiting (more frequent in children than adults).
These symptoms can last five to seven days, even if tiredness and cough can persist longer (up to four weeks). It is essential monitor the fever and keep the child hydrated throughout the influence of the flu.
Is it possible to prevent influence?
The most effective method for preventing flu is vaccination. The flu vaccine for children is recommended starting from 6 months of age, and is particularly suitable for children who attend kindergartens and nursery schools, where exposure to the virus is greater. There are currently two specific formulations for the little ones: the first is the injection version, administered through intramuscular injection, suitable for children from 6 months to 2 years; The second is a nasal spray, suitable for children from 2 to 7 years old.
The flu vaccine He is safe and well tolerated even by the little ones. The side effects are generally slight and temporary, such as redness or swelling at the point of the injection (if administered intramuscularly), light fever or irritability. The benefits of vaccination far exceed potential risks, since they protect the child not only from influence, but also from the complications related to the disease, which in the most serious cases can require hospitalization.
Vaccination must be considered not only a protection tool for your child, but also for the entire school community, since it contributes to limiting the circulation of the virus between the children and the school staff, thus helping to protect the More fragile people.
In addition to vaccination, Other prevention measurescommon to many other infectious diseases, which can be taught above all to older children include:
- frequently wash your hands with soap and water;
- Avoid close contact with sick people;
- Keep good respiratory hygiene, covering mouth and nose when it is toy or sneeze.
How to treat influence in children?
Once the influence has been contracted, there is no targeted cure to eliminate it. However, there are many remedies for influence in children which can alleviate the symptoms of the disease. Here are some practical tips:
- Make sure the child rests and drink many liquids to prevent dehydration;
- use antipyretic drugs such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve muscle pain;
- In some cases, the pediatrician may prescribe antiviral drugs, more effective if administered within the first 48 hours of the onset of the symptoms.
It is important Avoid the use of antibioticswhich are ineffective against viruses such as flu and can cause bacterial resistance.
In any case, always consult the pediatrician before administering any drug to the child.
